India Batter Tilak Varma Out of NZ T20Is After Surgery
Indian middle-order batter Tilak Varma has undergone emergency surgery after suffering an abdominal injury that required immediate medical attention. The 23-year-old was operated on following severe pain he experienced while with his domestic side in Rajkot. Medical assessments indicated the issue needed urgent intervention, and the procedure was completed successfully.
Ruled Out of New Zealand T20I Series
As a result of the surgery and the advised three to four-week recovery period, Varma is now ruled out of India’s upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand scheduled to begin on January 21. The setback deprives India of a key middle-order batter just weeks before the bilateral white-ball series starts.
Doubt Over T20 World Cup 2026
With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 starting on February 7 at home, Varma’s participation is now in serious doubt. The recovery timeframe overlaps with India’s first few World Cup matches, leaving selectors to weigh options for replacements in the squad. His absence could affect India’s batting balance in the lead-up to and early games of their World Cup campaign.
Varma has been a consistent performer in T20I cricket over the past year and his injury is viewed as a significant blow to India’s preparations. Team management will monitor his recovery closely, but plans will need adjustment for the New Zealand series and potentially for World Cup selection.
