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Tilak Varma in red-ball contention - (Source: X)
In a significant development, reports suggest the BCCI is set to revise its squad for the 3rd unofficial Test against New Zealand A. The board is mulling adding Tilak Varma for the last four-day game before he joins the Indian team for the 4th and 5th ODI.
Notably, the board wants Tilak to have some red-ball exposure before playing white-ball cricket. Tilak has a free calendar from November 2 to November 14, which allows him to be a part of the 3rd unofficial Test slated to start from November 7.
Tilak Varma's First-Class Stats
So far, Tilak Varma is yet to make his India Test debut. In fact, he is nowhere near in scheme of things when it comes to red-ball cricket. However, the southpaw boasts great First-Class stats.
The 23-year-old has played 25 matches, amassing 1828 runs, averaging 57.12 with the bat. He has 8 centuries and 7 fifties to his name and has also led Hyderabad in Ranji Trophy.
Tilak Varma's last red-ball appearance was recently during Duleep Trophy 2026 where he represented South Zone. In the prestigious domestic event, Varma scored 266 runs in 3 innings, averaging 266.00.
Tilak scored a century and missed out on another by just a solitary run. Now it seems that the BCCI is actually looking to groom the Mumbai Indians star in red-ball setup.
Jasprit Bumrah To Feature in 3rd Four-Day Game, Rishabh Pant Unlikely
The Times Of India report added that Jasprit Bumrah has departed for New Zealand and will join the team soon. The right-arm seamer has been named in the squad for 3rd unofficial Test alongside Rishabh Pant.
However, there is a threat looming over Rishabh Pant. The right-arm seamer has regained full fitness but his Return-To-Play (RTP) has been delayed. Therefore, it is likely that the DC star might miss the entire India A tour after being ruled out of the first two four-day games initially. Report also added that Pant might miss the 1st Test vs New Zealand.
