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Tilak Varma Ruled Out of NZ T20Is After Abdominal Surgery

Indian batter Tilak Varma has been ruled out of the first three T20 Internationals against New Zealand following surgery for an abdominal issue. He was discharged from hospital and is stable, with plans to return to Hyderabad before beginning a phased recovery. Varma has been a crucial part of India's T20 setup, playing a match-winning innings in the Asia Cup 2025 final. His availability for the final two T20Is will depend on his progress in rehabilitation.

Key Points: Tilak Varma Injury: Out of First 3 NZ T20Is

  • Misses first 3 T20Is vs NZ
  • Underwent abdominal surgery in Rajkot
  • Currently stable, flying to Hyderabad
  • Key player in Asia Cup 2025 win
  • Series prep for T20 World Cup 2026
2 min read

Tilak Varma ruled out of first three T20s against Kiwi's due to abdominal issue

India batter Tilak Varma to miss first three T20Is vs New Zealand after abdominal surgery. His return for final matches depends on recovery.

"Varma will resume physical training and gradually return to skill-based activities once his symptoms have fully resolved - Medical Update"

New Delhi, January 8

India's star batter Tilak Varma is set to miss the first three T20Is of the upcoming multi-format white-ball series against New Zealand. Varma underwent surgery for an abdominal issue in Rajkot on Wednesday.

India is scheduled to play the Black Caps in three ODIs and five T20Is. Varma is only a part of India's T20I squad. The ODI series starting on January 11 will mark the beginning of the series; the T20 series will kick off on January 21.

Varma 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. Varma will resume physical training and gradually return to skill-based activities once his symptoms have fully resolved and his wound has healed satisfactorily.

His availability for the remaining two matches will be assessed based on his progress during the return-to-training and skill phases.

Varma has been a key batter of the Indian side in the T20I setup over the last year. The stylish left-handed batter played a crucial role in his side's Asia Cup 2025 win, where he played a match-winning unbeaten 69* in the final against arch-rivals Pakistan.

The 23-year-old made his T20I debut against the West Indies at Tarouba in August 2023. Since then, he has played 40 matches and 37 innings, amassing 1183 runs at a fantastic average of 49.29 with a strike rate of 144.09. The left-handed batter has hammered two centuries and six half-centuries.

Nagpur, Raipur, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, and Thiruvanthapuram will host five T20Is between India and New Zealand. The T20I series between the two countries will help them to prepare for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
This is a real shame. He's such an exciting player to watch. Perfect opportunity for someone else to step up though. Who do we think will replace him in the playing XI?
A
Ananya R
Abdominal issues can be tricky for batters, especially with that core rotation. Better to miss a bilateral series than risk a long-term injury. Wise decision by the medical team.
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Vikram M
His stats are phenomenal! Average of 49 in T20Is is no joke. This just shows how crucial he is. Hope the management doesn't rush him back. We need him fit for the World Cup at home.
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Karan T
With respect, maybe this points to a larger issue with player workload management? He's played a lot of cricket in the last year. The schedule is brutal.
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Priya S
That innings against Pakistan in the Asia Cup final was magic! 🏆 Wishing him a speedy recovery. The team has good depth, but his left-handed flair will be missed.

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