Tilak Varma to Miss Opening T20Is Against New Zealand

Indian cricketer Tilak Varma has been ruled out of the first three matches in India’s five-game T20I series against New Zealand, starting on January 21, as confirmed by the BCCI on Thursday. Tilak recently underwent surgery for an abdominal issue in Rajkot and was released from the hospital on Thursday morning. He is set to return to Hyderabad on Friday.

“Tilak will begin physical training and gradually engage in skill-based activities once his symptoms are fully resolved and his wound has healed satisfactorily,” stated the BCCI. They also mentioned that his participation in the last two matches will depend on his progress during the training and skill recovery phases.

Tilak was a part of Hyderabad’s team for two Group B games against Chandigarh and Bengal in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he scored his sixth List A century in the opening match.

Published on January 8, 2026.