Explained: What is Testicular Torsion? The medical emergency behind Tilak Varma’s sudden surgery

India's star batter sensation Tilak Varma has undergone emergency surgery following a severe groin-related issue. The 23-year-old was in Rajkot competing for Hyderabad in the Vijay Hazare Trophy when he began experiencing acute, localized pain. Given the urgency of the situation, he was immediately rushed to a hospital to undergo a procedure to address the condition, which has since been identified as testicular torsion.

Tilak Varma undergoes successful surgery for testicular torsion

The timing of this medical emergency poses a significant challenge for both the player and the national team. Sports Tak has learnt that Varma is all but ruled out of the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, which is scheduled to kick off in Nagpur on January 21.

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Beyond the immediate series, Varma's participation in the early stages of the T20 World Cup remains in serious doubt. While the surgery was successful, the recovery timeline for such an intensive procedure suggests he may miss at least the first couple of matches next month. The Indian team management will likely be monitoring his rehabilitation closely to determine if he can regain full match fitness in time for the later stages of the tournament.

“Tilak Varma reported acute Testicular Pain in Rajkot where he is part of the Hyderabad team for the Vijay Hazare tournament. He was taken to a private Hospital and on scan was diagnosed with TesticularTorsion and was advised immediate surgery. We got an opinion from our specialists who agreed with the same. Tilak Underwent successful surgery and is doing well now,” the medical report accessed by Sports Tak said.

Understanding Testicular Torsion

According to medical insights from my.clevelandclinic.org, "Testicular torsion is a painful condition where the testicle twists and loses its blood supply. It requires emergency care. If the blood supply doesn't return quickly (within six hours), a healthcare provider may need to surgically remove the testicle."

While the condition is relatively rare, affecting approximately one in every 4,000 men under the age of 25—it is known for its sudden and unpredictable onset. Medical reports indicate that it is typically a spontaneous event occurring without any obvious external cause or physical trigger. Furthermore, it almost exclusively impacts a single side, with clinical data showing that the left testicle is more commonly affected than the right.

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It is now confirmed that the young batter will be sidelined for the entirety of the home series against New Zealand. The recovery period for his recent emergency surgery is estimated to be between three and four weeks, making his participation in the immediate international schedule impossible.

The timing is particularly unfortunate as India prepares to co-host the 2026 T20 World Cup alongside Sri Lanka. The tournament is set to begin on February 7, with India facing off against the USA in their opening match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Varma’s injury has placed him in serious doubt for this curtain-raiser, as well as India’s second group-stage encounter against Namibia in Delhi on February 12.

Team management and fans alike are keeping a close eye on his rehabilitation, hoping that the middle-order star can regain match fitness in time for the high-octane stages of the World Cup. For now, the focus remains on his recovery, with the medical team working to ensure he returns to the field only when he is fully healthy and ready to perform at his peak.