Watch: Star Indian batter hits a straight boundary in nets before joining India squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Team India batter Tilak Varma shared a post on Instagram on Friday, January 30. In the viral video, Tilak can be seen playing an aggressive straight shot against a fast bowler. Watch the video here.

Avijit Das
Avijit Das

3 mins read
Team India batter Tilak Varma shared a post on Instagram on Friday, January 30
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Team India batter Tilak Varma shared a post on Instagram on Friday, January 30. One of the videos showed him charging down the pitch to a fast bowler and hitting a boundary straight down the ground as he continues his recovery and works towards full fitness.

Tilak was earlier named in the squad for the ongoing five-match T20I series against New Zealand. However, he was later ruled out of the first three matches after undergoing abdominal surgery in Rajkot on Wednesday, January 7. The BCCI announced this update on January 8.

In the viral video, Tilak, who scored a brilliant fifty for India against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 28, 2025, can be seen playing an aggressive straight shot against a fast bowler.

Watch the video here:

Tilak Varma’s Return Boosts Team India

Tilak Varma is a very important member of India’s T20I team, and his return from injury is very good news for India.

The left-handed batter, who plays for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL, is India’s regular No. 3 batter in the T20 format.

Also read -ICC announces match referees and umpires for IND vs PAK and other group Stage matches of T20 World Cup 2026

Ishan Kishan Shines in Tilak’s Absence

In Tilak’s absence, Ishan Kishan batted at No. 3 for India in the first three T20I matches against New Zealand. He performed well and impressed with his batting.

It will now be interesting to see how the Indian team management includes both Ishan and Tilak in the playing XI once Tilak is fit. Since both are left-handed batters with similar skills, one of them may have to sit out if only one spot is available.

Tilak Set to Return Soon

Tilak last played for India in the fifth T20I against South Africa in Ahmedabad on December 19, 2025. He scored 73 runs from just 42 balls while batting at No. 3.

He is expected to join the Indian team next week after completing his recovery at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. Tilak is likely to be available for selection in the T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up match against South Africa in Navi Mumbai on February 4.

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Sports run in my veins and stories fuel my pen. With over 3 years in journalism — including stints at Sportskeeda, Cricreads, and Athlete Fortune — I’ve lived every word I’ve written. A Madrista at heart and a CR7 devotee, I fell in love with cricket because of one man — Virat Kohli. His passion for the game taught me to see cricket beyond the numbers. Currently writing for Cricket Winner, I cover match analyses, player stories, stats-based features, and cricket news updates. When I’m not writing, you’ll find me glued to tennis courts or boxing rings, living the sport from every angle.
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