India could face a significant setback ahead of the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand, with Tilak Varma currently nursing an abdominal injury. The left-handed batter’s participation in the series is now uncertain, causing concern within the team management. The injury has also raised questions over India’s preparations for the T20 World Cup, especially with Tilak named in the squad and having been a regular feature in the playing XI over the past year.
Tilak has established himself as a vital cog in India’s middle order, highlighted by his influential performances during last year’s Asia Cup. He played a key role in India’s title triumph, including a calm and decisive half-century in the final against Pakistan.
According to a report by The Indian Express, Tilak experienced abdominal discomfort while in Rajkot, where he was representing Hyderabad in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The report adds that doctors at the Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru have been monitoring his condition.
The medical team has reportedly advised surgery, which would require a recovery period of three to four weeks. This makes his availability for the New Zealand T20I series highly unlikely. The timeline also poses a challenge to India’s T20 World Cup plans, with the team set to begin their campaign against the USA on February 7.
Tilak’s potential absence could force the selectors into rethinking their squad composition. If surgery is opted for, India may have to explore alternatives that were previously sidelined. Middle-order options such as Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer could re-enter the discussion, while Riyan Parag may also come back into contention. With a major tournament approaching, the selection panel is expected to balance experience and recent form as they look to ensure adequate depth in the squad.
Since making his T20I debut in August 2023, Tilak has been a consistent performer for India. In 40 T20 internationals, he has amassed 1,183 runs at an impressive average of 49.29 and a strike rate of 144.09, including two centuries and six half-centuries, with a top score of 120. He has also chipped in with the ball, picking up three wickets with his part-time bowling.
