India vs New Zealand T20I Series, Tilak Varma: India has suffered a major setback ahead of the limited-overs series against New Zealand. Batsman Tilak Varma has been ruled out of the first three T20 matches against New Zealand due to illness. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) provided an update on Tilak Varma's health, stating that he underwent surgery in Rajkot on Wednesday.
The BCCI provided an update on Tilak Varma, stating that he underwent surgery in Rajkot on Wednesday. He was suffering from an abdominal issue. He was discharged from the hospital on Thursday morning and will travel to Hyderabad on Friday. Tilak is currently doing well and recovering from the illness. He will resume physical training and gradually return to skill-based activities after he has fully recovered and the wound has healed satisfactorily.
Twenty-three-year-old Tilak Varma was playing for Hyderabad in the Vijay Hazare Trophy when he suddenly experienced severe abdominal pain after breakfast. Seeing the seriousness of the situation, he was immediately taken to the hospital. Tests revealed an abdominal injury, and the medical team advised surgery. Fortunately, Tilak has now undergone the surgery.
"India batter Tilak Varma underwent surgery for an abdominal issue in Rajkot on Wednesday, 7 January. He was discharged from the hospital on Thursday morning and is scheduled to fly back to Hyderabad on Friday. He is currently stable and progressing well."- BCCI stated in press release.
"Tilak will resume physical training and gradually return to skill-based activities once his symptoms have fully resolved and wound healing is satisfactory." BCCI added.
News regarding Tilak Varma started circulating on Thursday morning, but the BCCI has now clarified that the batsman has undergone surgery. However, the board has not specified how long it will take for Tilak to recover. Tilak is part of the Indian team for the T20 World Cup next month, and there is uncertainty about whether he will be fit in time for the global tournament. The T20 World Cup begins on February 7th and will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. India will start their campaign against the USA on February 7th, followed by their next match against Namibia on February 12th.
After playing the T20 series against South Africa in December, Tilak Varma captained Hyderabad in two matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He scored 109 runs against Chandigarh on January 3rd and followed it up with 34 runs against Bengal on Tuesday.
Tilak Varma has been a key member of the Indian T20 team over the past year. His match-winning innings in the Asia Cup 2025 final earned him the nickname 'Iceman'. In 40 T20 Internationals, he has scored 1183 runs at an average of 49.29 and a strike rate of 144.09, including two centuries and six half-centuries.
The T20 series against New Zealand will begin on January 21st in Nagpur, followed by matches in Raipur, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, and Thiruvananthapuram. This series serves as the final preparation for the T20 World Cup to be held in India and Sri Lanka in February. In Tilak's absence, the team management may have to make changes to the middle order.
