Tilak's injury puts his T20 WC spot at risk too

• Tilak Varma injured; abdominal issue threatens New Zealand T20Is.
• Surgery likely; recovery may jeopardize T20 World Cup opener.
• His absence impacts India's middle order, World Cup preparation.

India's preparations for the upcoming home T20I series against New Zealand - and more importantly the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 - have been jolted by

an untimely injury to promising middle-order batter Tilak Varma.

The 23-year-old has reportedly suffered a serious abdomen issue that may not only rule him out of the five-match New Zealand series but could also threaten his availability for India's opening fixtures in the global tournament as per News18.

The India-New Zealand T20I series, scheduled from January 21 to 31 across five venues, was expected to serve as an important tune-up for the Men in Blue ahead of the World Cup. However, as per an Indian Express report, Tilak experienced acute abdominal pain on Wednesday and was immediately taken to a hospital in Rajkot. Detailed scans were reviewed by specialists at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence, who are believed to have recommended surgery.

A BCCI official confirmed the severity of the situation, stating that the recovery period following surgery would require at least three to four weeks of rest. This timeline virtually rules Tilak out of the entire series against New Zealand and casts doubt over his availability for India's T20 World Cup opener on February 7 in Mumbai, where Rohit Sharma's side faces the United States.

Tilak has been in good touch recently, highlighted by his brilliant century (109) against Chandigarh on January 3. His absence could create a significant void, especially given his versatility and ability to anchor or accelerate in the middle overs.

India's World Cup schedule only intensifies the concern. After their first match at the Wankhede, they head to Delhi to take on Namibia on February 12, before travelling to Colombo for the highly anticipated clash against Pakistan on February 15. Early indications suggest Tilak might be fit only by mid-February, making his participation in the opening encounters extremely uncertain.