Tilak Varma injury setback raises questions over T20 World Cup 2026 availability

India suffers a huge blow ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 as star batter Tilak Varma has suffered an injury and went through surgery on January 8. He has been ruled out of the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand as well. During the Vijay Hazare Trophy game, Varma complaint of abdominal pain and was rushed to Gokul Hospital in Rajkot. 

The doctors confirmed a testicular torsion and advised the cricketer to go through a surgery immediately. After the surgery was completed, the doctors advised the player to take 3-4 weeks recovery time before joining back. Hence, he was ruled out of the T20I series. 

The 23-year-old cricketer has been an incredible year scoring 567 runs in 18 innings and averaged 47.25. He played some of the best knocks this year, including the ones in the IPL 2026. With the World Cup coming up, Varma is definitely an important player for the team and the board will be hoping for him complete his recovery in time. 

Who can replace Tilak Varma in T20 World Cup 2026?

When it comes to replacements, BCCI usually waits for the recovery period to get over and then decide and include a player. In terms of Tilak Varma, the same might happen since he is a talented batter and India need him in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. But if in case he misses out, Shreyas Iyer can be a good option for his replacement. 

Despite being in form, Iyer wasn't picked up in the T20I squad and now, he might get a chance to play for India again. The dans will have to wait and see what the board decides and reveal the replacement ahead of the World Cup 2026. 

Where to watch IND vs NZ matches?

Cricket fans in India can watch the India vs New Zealand matches from January 11 online on JioHotstar, via OTTplay Premium.

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