India top-order batter Tilak Varma is reportedly likely to be fit for the fifth and final T20I on Saturday, January 31, and the 2026 T20 World Cup, in what would come as a major boost for the Men in Blue.
According to The Indian Express, the team management wants him to be completely fit for the World Cup, instead of even a slightly rushed return in the New Zealand series. Still, Tilak is ‘pushing hard’ at the Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru.
Varma underwent abdominal surgery during the Vijay Hazare Trophy and was initially ruled out of the first three matches against New Zealand after advised rest for two weeks.
“He is ruled out of the first three T20Is against New Zealand. His availability for the remaining two matches will be assessed based on his progress during the return-to-training and skill phases,” BCCI secretary Devajit Sakia had said at the time.
His absence from at least the fourth T20I should give another chance to Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan to compete and make their case for a top-order position in the team. Varma’s form before his injury, including a match-winning performance in the Asia Cup, should allow him to return to the 11 straightaway for one of Kishan, who’s in excellent form, and Samson, who is struggling but is the first choice.
Washington Sundar might not make it to the T20 World Cup
Meanwhile, the report said all-rounder Washington Sundar is in a race against time to be available for the T20 World Cup when the warm-ups begin.
Sundar missed the New Zealand T20Is after suffering a rib injury during the first ODI in Vadodara, which also ruled him out of the final two ODIs. The BCCI said Sundar felt acute discomfort in his left lower rib while bowling and managed only five overs before leaving the field. Despite the injury, he later batted after a middle-order collapse, scoring seven off seven balls and sharing a crucial stand with KL Rahul in India’s win.
“He needs two more weeks to be completely fit. The medical team has advised him to rest for two weeks more. The senior selection committee and team management will have to take a call on whether to continue with him or have a replacement,” the report quoted a BCCI source as saying.
The World Cup begins on February 7. India have kept leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi around the team as the backup.
