Injury Shock Rocks Team India Ahead of Crucial New Zealand T20Is

ByAnupam Pandey,SportsCafe Editor

Yesterday at 6:16 PM

The injury woes continue to trouble the Indian team once again. And this time, one of the team's key T20I batsmen is at the risk of missing out on the T20 World Cup. Fans are waiting to see an announcement by the BCCI, which is expected to be out soon.

Just before the New Zealand series, the Indian team suffered an injury issue. This time, it is Tilak Varma, who stands at the risk of missing out the T20I series against New Zealand. According to reports, lately, which is likely the reason why he could miss out on the same.

It will be a tough call for the BCCI to make, as Tilak Varma has been a competitive player for the Indian batting line-up. With his unavailability, it remains to be seen who will be making it to the line-up, and ensure that India does well even without Tilak Varma. With the Indian batsman going through a surgery, he also remains in question for the T20 World Cup.

1. Tilak Suffers from Injury in VHT

is currently playing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He was in Rajkot for his upcoming match, and having breakfast with the team. During that time, he reportedly had pain in his abdomen and consulted the doctors at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. Following this, some checks were completed on the Indian batsman.

A source revealed, “Tilak faced severe pain in his abdomen today (Wednesday). He was rushed to a hospital in Rajkot, where various scans were done, and reports were sent to doctors at the COE.” It is also being said that he might have to go through a surgery, which has been recommended to him by the doctors.

The source continued, “Doctors have advised him to undergo surgery, which will take . Chances of playing the entire T20I against New Zealand looks bleak.”

The BCCI is yet to for the fans regarding the injury of Tilak Varma. It should also be noted that the T20 World Cup 2026 starts on 7 February, and Tilak’s recovery might also clash with the same. The bigger question still remains who comes in place of Tilak Varma to the team.

2. Tilak Varma’s Excellence to be Missed?

Tilak Varma has been excellent for the Indian team with his batting. He came in as a top contender for the number three spot in the line-up, after Virat Kohli announced his retirement from T20Is. And Tilak was able to prove himself at this spot, which showed that India remains strong with its top order.

Tilak Varma in T20Is:

Innings: 37
Not Out: 13
Runs: 1183
Average: 49.29
Strike Rate: 144.09
100s: 2
50s: 6

With Tilak Varma missing out on the T20I series, it is a troublesome moment for the Indian team. This might also require some changes to be made to the team right before the series. It should also be noted that the window for changes in the T20 World Cup squad is open till 31 January. Till that time, the BCCI will have to decide who comes in if Tilak is not fit to play.

3. Who Could Come in Place of Tilak?

Since Tilak Varma may not be cleared to play the T20I series, the Indian team still has various players who could take his spot. They would still require a backup batsman, to complete their squad for the same. But if the team is looking for an aggressive batsman who could get to the top order, Ishan Kishan could be a great option.

Ishan Kishan in T20Is:

Innings: 32
Not Out: 1
Runs: 796
Average: 25.67
Strike Rate: 124.37
100s: 0
50s: 6

He had some magnificent performances in the domestic tournaments and also the IPL, which makes him capable to be a part of the team in place of Tilak. Moreover, he is used to opening for the team, which will help India to do well in its top order. Ishan Kishan will also be making his comeback to the team after a long time, and this could help Ishan to seize the opportunity.

after the ODI World Cup 2023 came to an end. In his final T20I before comeback, Kishan got out for a duck and India also lost this match. Now he is making a comeback after two years to the Indian team, and would be eager to ensure it goes well.