Tilak Varma races against time to get fit for T20 World Cup post-abdominal injury

India has been handed a significant concern ahead of the T20I series against New Zealand, as key middle-order batter Tilak Varma is reportedly nursing an abdominal injury. The left-hander, who has become a mainstay in the Indian T20 team, might miss the series and potentially the T20 World Cup, which begins February 7.

Tilak first experienced abdominal discomfort while playing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Hyderabad in Rajkot. After consulting with doctors at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, he has been advised to undergo surgery. The recommended recovery time is three to four weeks, making his participation in the T20Is against New Zealand highly unlikely.

The injury has raised alarms not only for the upcoming series but also for India’s World Cup preparations. Tilak has been integral to India’s T20I success, playing crucial roles during key tournaments like the Asia Cup. His absence could force the selectors to reassess their middle-order options, with players like Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and Riyan Parag possibly coming into the frame.

If Tilak proceeds with surgery, India’s selectors will have to decide whether to include other options based on their recent form or stick with established players. This injury adds an element of uncertainty to India’s final squad ahead of the World Cup, forcing them to explore other alternatives.

Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer has been declared fit for the upcoming New Zealand series, providing a boost to the middle order. However, Hardik Pandya’s absence from the New Zealand ODI series is a precautionary move to keep him fresh for the T20 World Cup.