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Tilak Varma (Source:X)
In a significant development, India's rising batting star Tilak Varma has received a major boost ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. The left-handed batter has been cleared by the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru to return to competitive cricket, as reported by Espncricinfo.
After being sidelined for nearly a month due to surgery, Tilak is now set to play two crucial warm-up matches before India's World Cup campaign begins.
Tilak will feature in an India A warm-up match against the USA on February 2 at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. He will then turn out for India's official warm-up game against South Africa on February 4 at the same venue.
India will begin their T20 World Cup journey against the USA on February 7 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Tilak Varma's injury setback and road to recovery
The star batter's injury troubles began earlier this month while he was representing Hyderabad in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26.
After playing two matches for his state side, he complained of abdominal pain following the game against Bengal on January 6. Medical scans later revealed an issue that required immediate surgical intervention.
The 23-year-old underwent emergency surgery in Rajkot on January 7 and was advised complete rest.
As a result, Tilak missed the entire five-match T20Is against New Zealand, and his availability for the T20 World Cup was under serious doubt.
However, Tilak made steady progress during rehabilitation and returned to training at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence.
According to reports, he has now fully recovered and is ready to rejoin the Indian squad on February 3, just days before the warm-up fixtures.
Tilak Varma's strong form before injury
Before the injury setback, Tilak Varma was in outstanding form. Tilak captained Hyderabad in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
He began the tournament in style, scoring a brilliant century against Chandigarh on January 3. He then added a useful 34-run knock against Bengal, showing good touch before his injury forced him out of action.
During his recovery, Tilak trained intensely at the CoE and even faced express pacer Mayank Yadav in the nets as part of match simulation drills. His return to full fitness has been closely monitored by the BCCI medical team.
Suryakumar Yadav confirms Tilak's return ahead of WC
India captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed that Tilak is on track to join the team before the warm-up matches. Speaking to the media, Surya shared a positive update on Tilak’s fitness and preparation.
“Tilak Varma…he has been shaping well. I heard he is playing two games in Bombay (Mumbai) on the 2nd and the 4th. I think two games are enough. I spoke to him yesterday only," Surya said.
“He has started batting, bowling, fielding and everything. So, hopefully, we should have him soon," he added.
Suryakumar also provided an update on Washington Sundar, who is recovering from a rib injury. He confirmed that Sundar has resumed bowling and batting and is also expected to return soon.
“I think Washy is also doing well. We spoke to both of them (Tilak and Washington) yesterday. Tilak is much better. Washy has almost started his bowling and batting. He is also looking good. Hopefully, we get him back soon," he added.
With Tilak Varma set to make his comeback, India will be relieved to have one of their most promising young batters fit and ready ahead of the T20 World Cup campaign.
