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Tilak Varma Ruled Out of NZ Series, World Cup Doubtful After Surgery

Indian middle-order batter Tilak Varma has been ruled out of the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand after undergoing surgery for testicular torsion. The injury also puts his participation in the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup in serious doubt. Varma, a hero of India's Asia Cup 2025 triumph, has been a key part of the T20I setup, scoring over 1100 runs at a stellar average. The NZ series, scheduled across five venues from January 21-31, serves as preparation for the World Cup where India is in Group A with Pakistan, USA, Netherlands, and Namibia.

Key Points: Tilak Varma Surgery: Out of NZ T20Is, Doubtful for T20 World Cup

  • Surgery for testicular torsion
  • Ruled out of NZ T20I series
  • Doubtful for 2026 T20 World Cup
  • Asia Cup 2025 final hero
  • India's Group A fixtures announced
2 min read

Tilak Varma undergoes surgery; star batter ruled out of NZ T20I series, doubtful for ICC T20 World Cup 2026

Indian batter Tilak Varma ruled out of NZ T20I series & doubtful for 2026 T20 World Cup after undergoing testicular torsion surgery. Details inside.

"Tilak Varma ruled out of the New Zealand T20I series and is likely to miss the ICC T20 World Cup after he went through Testicular torsion surgery, - ANI source"

New Delhi, January 8

In a massive blow for the Indian cricket team, Asia Cup final hero Tilak Varma is doubtful for the 2025 ICC Men's T20 World Cup and has been ruled out from the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, after the middle-order batter underwent "Testicular torsion surgery."

"Tilak Varma ruled out of the New Zealand T20I series and is likely to miss the ICC T20 World Cup after he went through Testicular torsion surgery," a source told ANI.

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.

Meanwhile, the five-match T20I series between India and New Zealand will be played from January 21 to January 31.

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.

The defending champions, India, are slotted in Group A alongside Namibia, the Netherlands, Pakistan and the United States.

The Men in Blue will begin their T20 World Cup 2026 group-stage campaign against the USA on February 7, followed by matches against Namibia on February 12, arch-rivals Pakistan on February 15, and the Netherlands on February 18.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Oh no! He was such a joy to watch. That innings in the Asia Cup final was pure class. Hope the surgery went well and he takes all the time he needs to get better. The team will miss his fearless batting.
A
Aditya G
Massive blow, yaar. His average of 49 and SR of 144 is phenomenal. This opens the door for someone like Rinku Singh or Jitesh Sharma now. The NZ series is a perfect chance to test our bench strength before the World Cup.
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Priyanka N
While this is terrible news, I hope the selectors and team management have a clear backup plan. We can't keep being caught off guard by injuries. Our player workload management needs a serious look. Get well soon, Tilak!
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Karthik V
Testicular torsion surgery sounds very painful. Poor guy. At just 23, he has a long career ahead. Missing the World Cup at home would be tragic, but his long-term health is paramount. Champions Trophy 2027 is also a big target.
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Michael C
As a neutral fan, this is a loss for the sport. He's an exciting talent. The India-Pakistan match just lost some of its sparkle. Hope to see him back smashing sixes soon.

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