MUMBAI: India’s promising batter Tilak Varma has been sidelined for the first three matches of the T20I series against New Zealand, starting January 21, due to a recent surgery. The procedure, performed in Rajkot, was necessary following discomfort that arose after a match, although the injury did not occur during play.

Varma's surgery, which took place on Wednesday, was successful, and he was discharged from the hospital the next day. According to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), he is stable and expected to start training within the next week to ten days. His availability for the latter part of the series will depend on his recovery progress during this period.

The timing of this injury raises concerns, particularly with the T20 World Cup approaching, where India is set to face the USA in their opener on February 7. Varma’s absence could be a significant blow for the team, especially given his form; he amassed 567 runs in 18 innings last year, demonstrating his crucial role in the T20I lineup.

Despite the setback, the BCCI has yet to announce a replacement for Varma in the five-match series against New Zealand, which also features fixtures on January 23, 25, 28, and 31. Teams have the flexibility to adjust their T20 World Cup squads up until the end of January 2026 without needing prior approval from the International Cricket Council (ICC), leaving the door open for potential changes as Varma progresses in his recovery.

This injury is particularly concerning given Varma's emergence as a key player in India's recent cricketing endeavors, where he has consistently performed in the Asia Cup and the notable series against South Africa and Australia last year. As fans and analysts look ahead, the hope is that his recovery is swift, ensuring he is fit for the high-stakes World Cup matches approaching in February.