BCCI issues an update on the availability of Tilak Varma for the IND vs NZ T20I series

A significant setback for India’s preparations for the coming T20 World Cupthe Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that middle-order batsman Tilak Varma has been ruled out of the first three matches of the T20I series against New Zealand. The 23-year-old, who recently underwent surgery for an abdominal problem, has been discharged from hospital but will need time for rehabilitation before returning to competitive cricket.

BCCI issues update on Tilak Varma

According to the BCCI’s official media advisory, Tilak reported acute pain while in Rajkot for the Vijay Hazare Trophy and subsequently underwent emergency surgery. The board confirmed that the procedure was successful and the Hyderabad cricketer is currently stable.

“Tilak will resume physical training and gradually return to skill-based activities once his symptoms have completely resolved and wound healing is satisfactory,” read the BCCI statement.

While he is definitely out for the matches in Nagpur, Raipur and Guwahati, the medical team has not completely closed the door on the series. His availability for the final two T20Is – scheduled for Visakhapatnam and Thiruvananthapuram – will be assessed based on his progress during the return to training and skill phases.

“He will be ruled out of the first three T20Is against New Zealand. His availability for the remaining two matches will be assessed based on his progress during the return to training and skills phases,” the statement added.

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No replacement has yet been appointed

The BCCI has opted not to name a replacement immediately, meaning India will go ahead with a 14-member squad for the first leg of the series from January 21. Tilak’s absence leaves a void in the middle order, notably removing a versatile left-handed option that the management was keen to utilize ahead of the T20 World Cup.

In his absence, the team management may look to reshuffle the batting order, potentially giving a consistent run to other middle-order assets such as Rinku Singh or adjusting the top order to accommodate the change. All eyes will now be on the National Cricket Academy (NCA) medical staff as they monitor Tilak’s recovery in the hope of getting him fit for the big ICC event later this year.

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