India’s preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup suffered a major setback, with Tilak Varma sustaining an abdominal injury ahead of the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand. The left-hander is a crucial player for the Indian cricket team in the shorter format, and his injury is a major concern.
India will take on New Zealand in a five-match T20I series starting on January 21. It will be their final competitive outing before their title defence at the T20 World Cup 2026. The selectors have already named the 15-member squad for the World Cup, with Tilak included and expected to feature in the playing XI.
Tilak Varma Injury Clouds India’s T20 World Cup Preparations
Tilak Varma has suffered an abdominal injury that could rule him out of the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, according to a report by The Indian Express. His potential absence comes at a worrying time, with the T20 World Cup just a month away.
The 23-year-old left-hander was in Rajkot representing Hyderabad in the Vijay Hazare Trophy when he began experiencing abdominal pain after breakfast on Wednesday morning. The discomfort soon intensified, leading to immediate medical attention.
Tilak Varma was taken to a hospital, where doctors carried out scans to assess the extent of the injury. The medical reports were later forwarded to specialists at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for further evaluation.
With Tilak Varma being a key figure in India’s middle order, the injury has sparked concern within the camp and slightly disrupted the team’s plans ahead of their crucial upcoming assignments.
Tilak Varma Advised Surgery, Likely to Be Out for Three to Four Weeks
Tilak Varma has been advised to undergo surgery, which is likely to keep him out for three to four weeks. He is expected to miss the entire T20I series against New Zealand, and his availability for the early phase of the T20 World Cup remains uncertain.
India’s team management is likely to name a replacement for the New Zealand series soon. However, Shubman Gill, who was not selected in the World Cup squad, is unlikely to be considered as a replacement. Riyan Parag is looked at as the primary replacement for Varma, and Shreyas Iyer is also in the race.
"Tilak faced severe pain in his abdomen today (Wednesday). He was rushed to a hospital in Rajkot, where various scans were done, and reports were sent to doctors at the COE.
"Doctors have advised him to undergo surgery, which will take three to four week for him to recover. Chances of playing the entire T20I against New Zealand looks bleak," a source in the BCCI said.
Shreyas Iyer Cleared Fit Ahead of New Zealand ODI Series
Shreyas Iyer has been cleared fit ahead of India’s ODI series against New Zealand. After recovering from a spleen injury suffered during the Australia tour in October and undergoing a minor procedure, he made his return in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Playing for Mumbai against Himachal Pradesh, he scored 82 off 53 balls and showed no signs of discomfort. He is also set to feature in Mumbai’s final league match today. The Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru has now officially declared him match fit, clearing the final hurdle for his return to the Indian team.
Yashasvi Jaiswal will skip Mumbai’s last league game to join the national squad in Vadodara. Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya is set to play for Baroda in their final Vijay Hazare Trophy league match against Chandigarh today, though he has not yet been cleared to bowl a full 10-over spell.
Also read: Absolute madness! Virat Kohli mobbed by fans on arrival in Vadodara ahead of 1st ODI vs New Zealand
from Cricket Addictor https://ift.tt/GIabkhw
0 Comments