Indian batter Tilak Varma has been ruled out of the first three T20 internationals against New Zealand following surgery for an abdominal issue, the Board
of Control for Cricket in India confirmed on Wednesday. The development has raised questions over India’s middle-order options, with former cricketer Aakash Chopra weighing in on possible replacements if Tilak remains unavailable for an extended period.
With Tilak's return being uncertain and the T20 World Cup 2026 being right around the corner, there might be a possibility looming around of him being ruled out of the tournament. As a result, Chopra has shared his potential replacements options for the injured cricketer, which the BCCI can consider opting for, given Tilak doesn't get match ready.
The former India opener namedShreyas Iyer as an ideal replacement, as he has been in terrific form in white-ball cricket. Aakash also relied on the experience of Iyer and his last year’s form in the Indian Premier League, where he amassed 604 runs in 17 matches. Moreover, Iyer has also played 51 T20Is, with 1104 runs at an average of 30.7 and a strike-rate of 136.7.
“Who can it (the replacement for Tilak) be? Shreyas Iyer. Sarpanch saab should be picked automatically. He is already playing well and scored in the Vijay Hazare Trophy too. Even when Iyer was not picked in the Asia Cup, it felt slightly unfair, but it was understandable. But there is an opportunity for a middle-order role here. He is also an experienced player and set the IPL on fire. He fits the bill, and Shreyas Iyer gets my vote,” Chopra said in a video on his official 'X' account.
As a second option, the Agra-born named Riyan Parag, as he also plays ideally in the middle order and was already part of Team India’s T20 plans. Chopra highlighted his all-around ability, and if the management is looking for a multidimensional player. Lastly, he also picked wicketkeeper-batter JItesh Sharma as the last report, if both Iyer and Riyan are ignored.
“And if for whatever reason, you want to go to with Shreyas Iyer, I will say Riyan Parag. Now Riyan Parag was in the scheme of things in the Indian T20 team. He can bowl as well. So if you are looking for an all-rounder, if you are looking for a double-skilledplayer, and you don't need a single-skilled player. So Riyan Parag would be that guy. And in an outside, Jitesh Sharma can be called in as well,” the Agra-born said.
Watch the video here
The Men in Blue are set to start the T20I series against New Zealand on January 21, with the first T20I set to be played at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur. For now, no replacement has been officially named for Tilak, as the Indians will be entering the first three matches with a reduced, 14-man squad.
