Major update on Tilak Varma ahead of T20 World Cup 2026 warm-ups: Report

India have received a timely boost ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with top-order batter Tilak Varma set to be available for the team’s warm-up matches. The left-hander has reportedly been cleared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s Centre of Excellence, putting him firmly on track for a return just days before the tournament begins.

Tilak has been out of action for close to a month after undergoing surgery for an abdominal injury sustained during a Ranji Trophy fixture last month. Ishan Kishan played the No. 3 position during the recent T20I series against New Zealand because his absence created a gap. The 23-year-old BCCI stated that he has made continuous progress since his surgery through physical training he did for his rehabilitation program.

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According to reports, Tilak will link up with the squad in Mumbai on February 3. He is expected to play for India A during a warm-up match against the United States of America which takes place on February 2 at the D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. He will then rejoin the main Indian squad for another warm-up fixture against South Africa on February 4 at the same venue.

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The captain of India Suryakumar Yadav shared positive news about Tilak who has started to practice batting and bowling and fielding. The team management expects to achieve full match readiness for their stylish left-handed player before the first World Cup match which takes place in less than seven days.

India will begin their title defence against the USA on February 7 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The Indian team gains additional strength because all-rounder Washington Sundar has achieved almost complete fitness while they prepare for the upcoming global competition. Indian players currently show progress in their recovery from injuries which helps the team prepare for the T20 World Cup tournament.

India squad for T20 World Cup 2026:

Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh.