Tilak Varma had a noteworthy performance in the second T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up match against the USA, offering good news for Team India. The 23-year-old faced a medical emergency on January 7, when doctors diagnosed him with testicular torsion, requiring surgery at Gokul Hospital in Rajkot.
After a quick recovery, Tilak got the green light from the Centre of Excellence (CoE) to return to competitive Cricket yesterday. He impressed with a smooth 38 runs at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Tilak came into the match against the USA in the fifth over, aligning with his usual batting order as India geared up for the T20 World Cup.
The left-handed batter from Hyderabad started slowly, scoring just 10 runs from his first eight balls. However, he quickly found his rhythm. In the ninth over, Tilak faced Harmeet Singh, a left-arm orthodox spinner. He opened the over with a precise cut shot through the covers, followed by a six that soared over long-off, and then a reverse sweep that netted him four runs towards deep square leg.
Tilak maintained control of the strike while wicketkeeper-batter N Jagadeesan attacked from the other end. In the 13th over, he targeted another left-arm spinner, Nosthush Kenjige, hitting a powerful six straight down the ground.
His innings ended when Shubham Ranjane dismissed him with a short ball down the leg side, which Tilak edged to USA wicketkeeper Andries Gous. His 38-run innings included three fours and two sixes, achieved at a strike rate of 158.33, indicating promising results for both Tilak and Team India. He showed no discomfort during his play.
Tilak is set to participate in India’s only warm-up match before the T20 World Cup against South Africa at the same venue on February 4. However, he will miss India A’s second warm-up game against Namibia. The upcoming match will provide essential game experience for India as they prepare to face the USA on February 7.
India & India A’s T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up schedule:
