Who can replace Tilak Varma in India Squad for T20 World Cup if he's unavailable after Emergency Surgery?

Indian cricketer Tilak Varma has sustained an abdominal injury that threatens to sideline him for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand. The middle-order batter experienced severe pain following

breakfast ahead of Mumbai's Vijay Hazare Trophy match in Rajkot, prompting immediate medical scans at a local hospital.

Reports sent to the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru indicate doctors recommending surgery, with a recovery period of 3-4 weeks, making his participation in the five-match series starting January 21 highly unlikely. He is set to miss the first two T20I matches against New Zealand, as per many reports, but the recovery timeline can go beyond that.

The timing raises concerns for India's T20 World Cup preparations, as the tournament opener against the USA is scheduled for February 7. Team management now faces selection dilemmas, with a report explicitly ruling out Shubman Gill's inclusion despite his leadership credentials. Selectors view it as "odd" to name the Test and ODI captain without guaranteed playing time, preferring to avoid potential mid-series adjustments if Tilak recovers partially.

Although his T20 World Cup participation is not immediately under threat, team India may have to rack up options as replacements.

Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer has been cleared fit by medical staff, delivering an impressive 82 off 53 balls for Mumbai against Himachal Pradesh without discomfort. His availability bolsters India's ODI series prospects against New Zealand and Iyer can be slotted in for the T20 World Cup if Tilak is unavailable. The Mumbai player has been superb in T20 cricket in the IPL and may make a return to the format.

Sarfaraz Khan

After a series of stellar batting shows, Sarfaraz Khan has been crying out loud for an opportunity. It may open up for him if Tilak remains sidelined. Sarfaraz's ability to bat in the middle order and aggressive batting make him a contender if the selectors require a replacement.

Devdutt Padikkal

If the selectors opt for a left-hander to replace Tilak Varma, they can go for Devdutt Padikkal as well. The Karnataka batter is in the form of his life, with four centuries already in six Vijay Hazare Trophy matches. Padikkal was excellent in the SMAT earlier, scoring 309 runs in six matches at a strike rate of 167.