Indian cricketer Tilak Varma has been given the green light to resume playing competitive cricket after getting the nod from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence.
The left-handed batsman will participate in two warm-up matches before the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be his first appearance in close to a month. Tilak had to undergo testicular surgery due to an injury he suffered during the Ranji Trophy in early January.
Warm-Up Matches Confirmed Before World Cup Opener
As a part of his return plan, Tilak Varma will first play for India A against USA on February 2 at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. He will then play in the official warm-up match for India against South Africa on February 4.
India are set to face USA on February 7 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai in their first match of the T20 World Cup.
Tilak Missed IND vs NZ Series, Kishan Filled No. 3 Role
Tilak Varma was ruled out of the recently completed T20I series against New Zealand, where Ishan Kishan was given a promotion to bat at No. 3 in most of the matches. The return of Tilak will give India more options in the middle-order lineup as they head into the World Cup.
BCCI Confirms Positive Rehabilitation Progress
Since the surgery, Tilak Varma has been under observation at the CoE. In a statement released on January 26, the BCCI confirmed that he was making steady progress in his rehabilitation, which ultimately led to medical clearance for match play.
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Washington Sundar and Riyan Parag Injury Updates
Also not available for the New Zealand series, all-rounder Washington Sundar is likely to undergo a fitness test in the coming days to check his availability for selection.
In other news, Riyan Parag, who has been sidelined for almost two months due to a shoulder injury, is likely to return to action during the warm-up phase. He will feature in both India A matches, including the second match against Namibia on February 6 at the CoE in Bengaluru.
India’s Group A Fixtures at the 2026 T20 World Cup
India are placed in Group A for the 2026 T20 World Cup and will play the following matches:
vs USA – February 7, Mumbai
vs Namibia – February 12, Delhi
vs Pakistan – February 15, Colombo
vs Netherlands – February 18, Ahmedabad
Tilak Varma’s Return Boosts India’s World Cup Plans
The inclusion of Tilak Varma in the Indian squad ahead of the T20 World Cup has certainly boosted the middle-order batting options for the team. With warm-up matches scheduled and key players on the cusp of fitness, India seem to be gaining momentum ahead of the tournament.
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