India’s preparation for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand has been dealt a setback, with middle-order batter Tilak Varma ruled out of the first three matches due to a groin injury. The Board of Control for Cricket in India confirmed the development on Tilak's injury on Thursday, January 8 amidst the growing speculations of his potential ouster from the squad for the T20 World Cup as well.
The Hyderabad cricketer will fly home on Friday and will continue his rehabilitation under the watchful
observation of the BCCI medical team. There is some time before the 23-year-old can resume physical training, since the wound around his groin is yet to heal fully. The board, however, confirmed that they will be sharing further updates on Tilak's injury following his return to skill-based activities.
“Tilak will resume physical training and gradually return to skill-based activities once his symptoms have fully resolved and wound healing is satisfactory. 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,” the board said in a statement.
Has BCCI named any player replacement?
As a matter of fact, earlier media reports have been put to rest, as no replacement has been named by the BCCI for the upcoming T20Is against New Zealand. It means that the Men in Blue will be taking centre stage with only a 14-member squad for the first three matches. Shreyas Iyer and Riyan Parag had been reported as the frontrunners to replace Tilak in the squad; however, reports have not materialized.
The injury comes at an inconvenient moment for both the player and the Indian Team management. Tilak has emerged as a key component of India’s T20 setup over the past year, most notably playing a decisive knock in India’s Asia Cup 2025 final victory against Pakistan. Therefore, the team and the fans will be eagerly hoping for a speedy recovery, as the side enters the T20 World Cup to defend their title.
India updated squad for first three T20Is vs New Zealand: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel (vice-captain), Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Varun Chakravarthy
