India suffer blow as Tilak Varma ruled out after abdominal surgery ahead of NZ T20Is.
India have been dealt a major setback ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 as batter Tilak Varma underwent surgery for testicular torsion, ruling him out of the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand. The series, starting January 21, is India’s final assignment before defending their World Cup title at home.
The 23-year-old left-hander, representing Hyderabad in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in Rajkot, experienced acute abdominal pain during a match. He was rushed to Gokul Hospital, where scans confirmed testicular torsion, prompting immediate surgery. The procedure was successful, and Tilak is now recovering.
Tilak is expected to be sidelined for three to four weeks, ruling him out of the New Zealand T20Is and putting his availability for the early stages of World Cup preparations in doubt. The Indian team management is likely to name a replacement for the series, though sources indicate that Shubman Gill, who missed India’s T20 World Cup squad, will not be considered.
Tilak Varma’s absence is a significant blow for India. Over the past year, he has been a key member of the T20I setup, playing a starring role in India’s Asia Cup 2025 triumph, including a match-winning 69 (53)* in the final against Pakistan. He was also the highest run-scorer in India’s recent home series against South Africa, accumulating 187 runs in four innings.
With the southpaw out, India will need to find a capable replacement to fill the gap for the upcoming New Zealand T20Is and the lead-up to the T20 World Cup.
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