Rising batting star Tilak Varma is nearing full fitness and is expected to take part in a simulation game at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, following which he will get the clearance
from the board, paving the way for his comeback. Tilak underwent an abdominal surgery earlier this month, which raised doubts over his availability for the 2026 T20 World Cup, slated to get underway from February 8.
According to a report in The Times of India, the simulation match will be held on Friday, post which BCCI will give him the fitness clearance. The top-order batter is expected to link up with the rest of India’s World Cup squad on February 3 for their warm-up fixtures.
Tilak was earlier expected to join India’s squad for the last two matches of the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand. However, BCCI revealed that despite resuming physical training, the batter will need more time to regain “full match fitness”.
As a result, Shreyas Iyer has been asked to stay with the squad for the remainder of the series.
On the other hand, all-rounder Washington Sundar, who is also part of the World Cup squad and injured, will also play in a simulation game soon to prove his fitness. Sundar had suffered a rib injury while bowling against New Zealand during the first ODI in Vadodara earlier this month, following which he was ruled out from the remainder of the white-ball matches scheduled against the tourists including two ODIs and five T20Is.
Mayank, Parag Regain Fitness
Right-arm fast bowler Mayank Yadav has also reportedly regained full fitness and will represent India A during the T20 World Cup warm-up matches. Mayank has spent a significant period on the sidelines nursing a stress fracture.
Batter Riyan Parag who has been recovering from a shoulder injury is also expected to play in the simulation game on Friday in Bengaluru.
