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Still No Shubman Gill- Players who can replace Tilak Varma in India's T20 World Cup squad

Rajgeeta Yadav

Tilak Varma [Source: AFP]Tilak Varma [Source: AFP]

India have received a major blow ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 as young batter Tilak Varma has undergone surgery for testicular torsion. This medical issue is expected to keep him out of action for several weeks. 

Notably, team India are scheduled to play a five-match T20I series against New Zealand starting January 21, which stands as their final series before beginning their World Cup title defence at home.

Tilak Varma doubtful for T20 World Cup 2026

In this situation, Tilak Varma’s injury has raised serious concerns over India’s preparation and balance in the batting order. In addition, there is a strong possibility that his recovery may take longer, which could affect his participation in the T20 World Cup as well.

In this scenario, India will certainly look at suitable replacements. Notably, in the existing 15-member squad, Ishan Kishan is already included for the T20 World Cup. 

Therefore, the team management may consider giving him a regular place in the playing XI, especially considering his recent performances and growing confidence at the international level.

Ishan Kishan has made an impressive return to the Indian setup after a memorable domestic season. He earned his spot in the T20 World Cup 2026 squad following outstanding performances in domestic cricket. 

The young Indian opener led Jharkhand to their first-ever SMAR title and finished the tournament as the highest run-scorer. He scored 517 runs in 10 innings with a remarkable strike rate of 197.32. These numbers clearly show his aggressive intent and match-winning ability. 

Meanwhile, if the team management decides to explore more options, there are three other names who could be considered as replacements for Tilak Varma.

Shreyas Iyer

India’s ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer has recently been declared fit by the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s Centre of Excellence. This development has opened the door for his return to international cricket, starting with the ODI series against New Zealand.

The Mumbai batter was previously sidelined after suffering a spleen injury during the third ODI against Australia.

As he makes his comeback, Iyer emerges as a strong option to fill Tilak Varma’s role. He is well suited to bat at number three or four, which makes him a reliable middle-order choice. 

It is worth mentioning that his experience and calm approach add stability to the lineup. In the T20 format, he has shown excellent form. While leading Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025, he displayed leadership skills along with consistent batting. 

Notably, he scored 604 runs in 17 innings with an impressive strike rate of 175.07. His T20I record at number three also stands out, with 530 runs in 19 innings at a strike rate of 133.16. 

The main point to monitor will be his fitness, as workload management will be important after his recent injury.

Devdutt Padikkal

Devdutt Padikkal is another batter who could make a return to the national side. The Karnataka batter has been in fine form across domestic tournaments. 

In the SMAT, he scored 309 runs in six innings with a strong strike rate of 167.03, which included a brilliant century. His ability to play long innings along with attacking strokes makes him a valuable option.

Criteria
Stats
Innings6
Runs309
SR167.02
Avg61.80

[Devdutt Padikkal's numbers in SMAT]

Notably, Padikkal last represented India in 2021 during a series against Sri Lanka, where he scored 38 runs in two innings. Since then, he has continued to improve his game. 

In the ongoing VHT, he has maintained his excellent form in the 50-over format. He has scored 640 runs in seven innings so far, showing consistency and composure. His recent performances clearly make him a dependable replacement option.

Ruturaj Gaikwad

Ruturaj Gaikwad is another strong contender who may get an opportunity in the T20I setup. He was left out of the ODI squad against New Zealand despite scoring a century against South Africa. This situation may lead to his return in the T20Is. 

Notably, Gaikwad is currently in excellent touch. In the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, he has scored 377 runs in seven innings with an average of 75.40.

For India, he has already played 20 T20I innings and scored 633 runs with a strike rate of 143.53. His record includes one century and four half-centuries. 

It is worth mentioning that Gaikwad's consistency at the top order and ability to anchor the innings while accelerating later make him a strong candidate to step in if Tilak Varma remains unavailable.