India’s in-form batter Tilak Varma underwent successful surgery in Rajkot where Hyderabad were scheduled to play their Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2025-26 match. Sports Tak has learned that he was diagnosed with TesticularTorsion and was advised immediate surgery on January 8. He is all but ruled out of the five-T20I series against New Zealand and his participation in T20 World Cup 2026 is doubtful as well.
“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.
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India men’s senior selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar has been informed about Varma’s surgery. Any information on his recovery and expected timeframe for his return to play will take place in the coming days. The 23-year-old faces a race against time to be fit for T20 World Cup 2026 which begins on February 7.
Who will be Varma’s replacement at no.3?
The BCCI is expected to name Varma’s replacement for the T20I series against the Kiwis which begins on January 21. The southpaw was confirmed as India’s designated no.3 for the T20 World Cup 2026. In his absence, Ishan Kishan may not just be a back-up wicketkeeper but bat at no.3, a role he took up at Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.
However, it may lead to Shubman Gill making a comeback to the T20I squad. Lack of runs in the format of late led to him getting dropped from the side.