The team management of India had to take a call on Tilak Varma, who recently underwent surgery. Varma was named in the squad for the ongoing India vs New Zealand 5-match T20I series. BCCI has released a fresh report, citing the current status of Varma, which is very crucial as the middle-order batter is also in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 squad.

For the first three matches of the bilateral 5-match T20I series, BCCI named Shreyas Iyer as the replacement of Varma. Iyer was not in the original squad. The selectors included him because of the medical condition of Tilak Varma.

Now, as the T20 World Cup 2026 is knocking on the door, set to start on February 7, the team management did not want to make any decision about Varma in a hurry. Thus, they have informed us that Iyer will continue with Team India for the remaining two matches of the 5-match T20I series against New Zealand, and Varma will work on his fitness.

Read More: Pakistan to boycott India clash in T20 World Cup 2026? Final decision to come at this time

On January 26, BCCI informed that Tilka Varma has started physical training at the BCCI Centre of Excellence and is progressing well. But he needs some more time to gain full match fitness for the flagship tournament of the International Cricket Council (ICC). As Varma remains on the sideline, Iyer will continue his T20I stint for the team for now. 

"Tilak Varma has resumed physical training and is making steady progress with his rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. However, he will require additional time to regain full match fitness and will not be available for the final two T20Is of the ongoing IDFC First Bank five-match T20I series," BCCI informed. 

Tilak Varma is out from India vs New Zealand T20I series entirely

"Tilak will link up with the squad in Mumbai once he has regained full match fitness on 3rd February, ahead of India’s warm-up match for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026."

India has already claimed the T20I series by winning three back-to-back matches. The third win in Guwahati confirmed the winner of the series, which is Team India. The remaining two matches are now inconsequential, as the winner of the series is already confirmed. The India vs. New Zealand 3rd ODI will start on January 28 at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium.