Archive · 26 Jan 2026
Tilak Varma Ruled Out of Final Two T20Is
Tilak Varma, a key player for India's T20I team, is recovering from abdominal surgery.
He was expected to return for the last two matches against New Zealand, but his comeback has been delayed.
The team management wants to make sure he is fully fit before he plays again.
In his absence, Shreyas Iyer has been playing and will continue to be part of the squad until the end of the series.
Varma is an important player for India, especially for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
The team's first match in the World Cup is against the USA on February 7.
Tilak Varma has been ruled out of the final two T20Is against New Zealand.
Varma is recovering from abdominal surgery and is undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Shreyas Iyer will continue as Varma's replacement for the remaining matches.
Varma is expected to join the squad in Mumbai on February 3, ahead of the warm-up match for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.
India's T20 World Cup 2026 title defense begins on February 7 against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
- Who
- Tilak Varma and Shreyas Iyer
- What
- Tilak Varma ruled out of final two T20Is, Shreyas Iyer to continue
- When
- Varma's return pushed back, Iyer to remain until the end of the series
- Where
- Series matches in India, warm-up match at DY Patil Stadium
- Why
- Varma is recovering from abdominal surgery and the team management wants to ensure his full fitness
Optimistic View
Cautious View
Varma's Return Timing
Optimistic View
Varma could return for the warm-up match against South Africa.
Cautious View
Varma's return has been pushed back further, with no definitive date set.
- Player
- Tilak Varma
- Medical Condition
- Abdominal surgery
- Rehabilitation Location
- BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru
- T20I Series
- IND vs NZ
- Expected Return Match
- Warm-up match against South Africa on February 4
- Replacement Player
- Shreyas Iyer
- ICC T20I Ranking
- No.3
- T20 World Cup 2026
- India's title defense begins February 7
Sources
Tilak Varma's Dog Celebrates Birthday In Epic Moment As India Star Wins Over Internet With Viral Video
Washington Sundar in race against time to be fit for T20 World Cup 2026
Tilak Varma Injury Update: India Star's Comeback Delayed Ahead Of ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Shreyas Iyer Stays Put As Tilak Varma Comeback Delay Reshapes India T20I Plans: Report
Tilak Varma ruled out for remaining New Zealand T20Is, Shreyas Iyer to continue
Yet to be fully fit, Tilak to rejoin India squad in Mumbai before T20 WC warm-up game
IND vs NZ: Shreyas to continue as Varma’s replacement for remaining two T20Is
Tilak Varma Ruled Out of Final Two T20Is Against New Zealand, Shreyas Iyer To Continue
‘He is showing that he is a big-match player’: Rohit Sharma on Tilak Varma
Tilak Varma Latest Injury Update: BCCI Confirms Shreyas Iyer As Replacement For Remaining T20Is Against NZ
