Tilak Varma has been cleared to return to competitive Cricket by the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) Centre of Excellence (CoE). On January 7, the 23-year-old was taken to Gokul Hospital in Rajkot, where doctors diagnosed him with testicular torsion and performed emergency surgery.
Tilak missed the entire India versus New Zealand ODI and T20I series due to this incident. It was unclear if he would be available for the T20 World Cup 2026, but according to ESPNcricinfo, he has now received authorization to play again.
Tilak was set to play in India’s only warm-up game against South Africa on February 4 at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. However, his involvement won’t be limited to just this match. The BCCI requires him to participate in one game for the India ‘A’ team.
He will arrive in Mumbai on February 3 ahead of joining the main team. He is scheduled to compete in an India ‘A’ match against the USA on February 2 in Navi Mumbai.
As for Washington Sundar, there are no new updates on his recovery. A fitness examination is expected on February 4, after which the CoE and BCCI will decide on the next steps.
Riyan Parag is being considered as a possible replacement for Sundar. The all-rounder, who has also faced injury issues, has been cleared to play and will represent India ‘A’ in both matches. If Sundar is unable to recover in time, the BCCI may include Parag in the T20 World Cup squad.
India & India A’s T20 World Cup warm-up schedule:
