Tilak Varma has undergone surgery, and his place in the 2026 T20 World Cup is now uncertain. The tournament is set to begin on February 7. Tilak was operated on while playing the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Hyderabad. The BCCI has not shared an official update on his recovery yet.
One report has claimed that he may miss only two matches of the T20I series against New Zealand, but there is also a chance that he could miss the T20 World Cup if he does not recover in time. Tilak Varma was India’s standout performer in the Asia Cup title win, and fans will be hoping that he regains fitness before the ICC event.
Who can replace Tilak Verma?
If Tilak Varma is ruled out of the 2026 T20 World Cup, the selectors may look at Shubman Gill as a replacement. Gill was surprisingly dropped from the T20 World Cup squad earlier despite being the vice-captain of the T20I team. After his omission, the selectors named a new vice-captain and left Gill out. He started his T20 career as a middle-order batter and can handle that role if required. Since his T20 debut in 2018, the right-handed batter has scored 5412 runs in 175 T20 matches.
Shreyas Iyer is another player who can replace Tilak Varma in the T20 World Cup squad. The right-handed batter usually bats at number three in T20s and can also finish games for India. He was surprisingly ignored for the Asia Cup squad even after doing well with the bat. Shreyas Iyer has not played a T20I since 2023. He scored heavily in the season while playing for Punjab Kings. The selectors could consider bringing him back into the T20I setup. Iyer is currently fit and is set to return to international cricket in the first ODI against New Zealand.
Rishabh Pant is also an option, even though India already has Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson as wicketkeepers. Pant can be picked purely as a specialist batsman. Pant was part of India’s 2024 T20 World Cup-winning team. He has scored 5291 runs at a strike rate of 144.40. He can bat at number three and can also play the finisher’s role based on the team’s needs. Pant is currently the vice-captain of India’s Test team.
What is Testicular Torsion?
Testicular torsion is a serious condition where a testicle twists inside the scrotum. This twisting cuts off the blood supply that keeps the tissue alive. It usually happens because of a structural problem present from birth, where the testicle is not properly fixed in place. Sudden movement, physical activity, a small injury, or even turning during sleep can cause it.
The condition is considered dangerous because the loss of blood flow can quickly damage the testicle. If treatment is not given urgently, often within a few hours, it can lead to permanent damage or even loss of the testicle. It can also affect fertility and hormone levels in the long term.
Recovery after surgery depends on how fast the problem is treated. In most cases, the initial recovery takes about one to two weeks, during which pain and swelling slowly reduce. Doctors usually advise avoiding heavy activity, lifting, and sports for three to four weeks to allow full healing.
If surgery is done in time and blood flow is restored, a full recovery with normal function is expected. However, because of the recovery period needed, Tilak Varma’s participation in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 remains uncertain. The BCCI has not made any official statement yet on whether he will be part of the World Cup squad later in the tournament.
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