Tilak Varma Undergoes Surgery for Testicular Torsion, Ruled Out of New Zealand T20Is

India have suffered a significant setback in the build-up to the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 after middle-order batter Tilak Varma underwent surgery for testicular torsion, ruling him out of the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand.

The 23-year-old left-hander is expected to be sidelined for at least three to four weeks, casting doubt over his immediate availability during India’s final phase of World Cup preparations. The five-match T20I series against New Zealand, beginning January 21, was scheduled to be India’s last assignment before commencing their title defence at home.

Tilak sustained the injury while representing Hyderabad in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in Rajkot. He reportedly experienced acute pain during the match and was rushed to a local hospital, where medical examinations confirmed testicular torsion — a condition that requires urgent surgical intervention. Doctors advised immediate surgery, which was subsequently carried out successfully. Team sources have indicated that the player is recovering well and remains under medical observation.

Testicular torsion is considered a serious medical emergency, and post-surgery recovery typically requires strict rest and gradual rehabilitation. As a result, Tilak is set to miss the entire New Zealand T20I series, with his participation in early World Cup training activities also uncertain.

India’s team management is expected to announce a replacement for the New Zealand series in the coming days. However, sources suggest that Shubman Gill, who was not included in India’s T20 World Cup squad, is unlikely to be drafted as a replacement. The selectors are instead expected to look at like-for-like middle-order options within the existing T20 setup.

Tilak Varma’s absence is a major blow for India, given his growing importance in the shortest format. Over the past year, he has emerged as a key middle-order batter, combining composure with the ability to accelerate under pressure. His consistency and adaptability have made him a vital cog in India’s T20I plans.

The left-hander played a decisive role in India’s Asia Cup 2025 triumph, scoring an unbeaten 69 in the final against Pakistan, a performance that earned him the Player of the Match award. He also topped India’s batting charts in the recent home T20I series against South Africa, amassing 187 runs in four innings.

With the T20 World Cup approaching, India now face the challenge of reworking their middle-order combinations in Tilak’s absence. The upcoming New Zealand series was expected to help the team fine-tune roles and strategies, making his injury-timed setback particularly unfortunate.

While the immediate focus will be on his recovery, team officials remain hopeful that Tilak Varma will return to full fitness in time for the latter stages of World Cup preparations. His progress over the next few weeks will be closely monitored, given the crucial role he is expected to play in India’s title defence.