India’s T20 World Cup preparations have hit a major roadblock as star batter Tilak Varma is now a doubtful starter for the upcoming series against New Zealand. The young left-hander underwent testicular surgery in Rajkot this past Wednesday after experiencing sudden discomfort following a domestic fixture.
While Tilak featured in Hyderabad’s recent Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Bengal on Tuesday, sources confirm the injury did not actually occur during play. The pain flared up post-match, leading to immediate scans and the subsequent surgical procedure. The timing is particularly cruel for the 23-year-old, who has become a linchpin in India’s middle order over the last six months.
Recovery Timeline and T20 World Cup Concerns
The medical team expects Tilak to report to the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru within the next few days. While a formal rehabilitation schedule will be set after his initial assessment, early estimates suggest a recovery period of three to four weeks.
This timeline puts his participation in the 2026 T20 World Cup in serious jeopardy. India is scheduled to kick off their campaign against the USA in Mumbai on February 7. If his recovery leans toward the full four weeks, he will have almost no match practice heading into the tournament. With high-stakes group matches against Pakistan (February 15) and the Netherlands (February 18) following shortly after, the team management faces a difficult decision regarding his fitness.
Impact on the Indian T20I Squad
Tilak Varma’s absence leaves a significant void in the batting lineup. He was arguably India’s most consistent T20 performer last year, amassing 567 runs in 18 innings at a stellar average of 47.25. His ability to anchor the innings while maintaining a strike rate of 129.15 made him a tactical favorite during the recent series against Australia and South Africa.
The BCCI has not yet named a replacement for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, which begins on January 21. However, the clock is ticking for the selection committee. Per ICC regulations, teams can make changes to their T20 World Cup squads without requiring formal approval until January 31, 2026. This gives India a small window to monitor Tilak’s progress at the CoE before deciding whether to fly him to Mumbai or name a permanent replacement for the global event.
