The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has provided an important update on Tilak Varma ahead of the five-match T20I series against New Zealand. The left-handed hitter has been ruled out of the first three T20Is, and his availability for the final two games will be determined later.
Tilak, who was part of the Hyderabad team in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, complained of stomach pain and was admitted for surgery. BCCI stated that the surgery went well and he was discharged on Thursday morning. The 23-year-old is making a good recovery and hopes to get back into training or skill work once the wound has healed enough.
The BCCI has not announced any replacements in the squad for the first three T20Is. In his place, Ishan Kishan could also come in at number three.
Tilak Varma has been incredibly consistent in T20Is
The southpaw has played a significant role in Team India’s ascent to the World No.1 T20I ranking — which they have held for quite some time now. The stylish left-hander has scored 1183 runs in 40 T20Is since making his debut in August 2023 at an impressive strike rate of 144.09. He also registered several T20I centuries, with a highest score of 120*.
The Hyderabad-origin cricketer played a fearless unbeaten 69 in the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan, where the Men in Blue were struggling to chase it down. The 23-year-old set the stage on fire with a century against Chandigarh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, following it up with a score of 34 runs against Bengal. India will be hoping he can fully recover as they look to become the first side to defend their T20 World Cup title.
The Asian superpower team will take on New Zealand in the T20I series starting January 21 before facing the USA in their World Cup opener at Mumbai on February 7.
