Tilak Varma injury - (Source: ScreenGrab/X)
In a significant development, India have been dealt a heavy blow as Tilak Varma has left the field in the ongoing 3rd T20I between India and New Zealand. The southpaw, who was India’s pick of the batters in the 2nd T20I, hurt his knee, after which he left the field.
The incident occurred on the 2nd ball of the 3rd over when India were given a run-out chance and Tilak Varma was at the centre of the drama.
Tilak Varma Injures Knee, Kumar Kushagra Enters Field
On the 2nd ball of the 3rd over, Finn Allen pushed the ball towards extra cover, where Tilak was fielding. The Kiwi batters looked for a quick single, and Tilak had the chance to run the batters out. He made a slide and his knee stuck in the ground.
Watch the video below:
The MI batter was in pain, and after consultation with the physio, he left the field. In his absence, Kumar Kushagra took the field.
Notably, Kushagra was not part of the original squad, but after Ishan Kishan suffered an injury, the BCCI called up his Jharkhand teammate for his maiden India stint.
Tilak Varma Emerged A Hero For India In 2nd T20I
India would be praying for Tilak Varma to recover soon because his absence would be a big blow to the batting unit. Tilak was the star with the bat in the 2nd innings and had it been not for him, India wouldn't have won that game.
Notably, chasing a big total of 181, India were reduced to 112/6. The Men in Blue were down and out in the game but the southpaw turned things around. He scored a brilliant 51 (26).
India required 48 off 18 balls and yet managed to win the game for India from that situation. The southpaw has very well adapted to his new role as a finisher.
At the time of writing this article, New Zealand are 80/1 after 7.3 overs and Tilak is still out of the field.
