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Tilak Varma (Source: AFP)
In a significant development, star Tilak Varma has undergone emergency surgery after being diagnosed with testicular torsion. Tilak Varma was in Rajkot with his state team for the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2025–26 when he complained of severe pain on January 8.
According to sources, Tilak was immediately rushed to Gokul Hospital in Rajkot, where scans confirmed the condition. Doctors advised urgent surgery, which was successfully carried out the same day.
“Tilak faced severe pain in his abdomen today (Wednesday). He was rushed to a hospital in Rajkot, where various scans were done, and reports were sent to doctors at the COE," a BCCI source told Indian Express.
“Doctors have advised him to undergo surgery, which will take three to four weeks for him to recover. Chances of playing the entire T20I against New Zealand look bleak," report added.
Tilak Varma likely to recover in 3-4 weeks
While Tilak is currently stable and recovering well, the injury has serious implications for his cricketing schedule. His recovery is expected to take around three to four weeks.
India's first Group A match in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is now less than a month away, which makes Tilak's recovery even more challenging.
If he follows the complete recovery timeline after surgery, his availability for the opening match against the United States could be in serious danger.
Major setback for India as Tilak Varma undergoes surgery
Sports Tak has learned that Tilak Varma is now almost certainly ruled out of the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, which will begin on January 21.
"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 Testicular Torsion 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.
It is important to note that Chairman Ajit Agarkar has been informed of Tilak Varma’s emergency surgery, and the BCCI is now awaiting detailed medical updates.
According to sources, doctors will assess Tilak’s recovery over the coming days before giving any clarity on his return to cricket.
Tilak Varma's participation in T20 World Cup doubtful
More concerning for Indian cricket is that his participation in the T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to start on February 7, is now under serious doubt.
This injury comes at the worst possible time for Tilak. Over the past year, he has emerged as one of India’s most dependable T20 batters and was seen as a key part of the World Cup plans.
Tilak was also performing strongly in domestic cricket. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he scored 143 runs in just two innings for Hyderabad, averaging 71.50 with a strike rate of 87.73.
Who can replace Tilak Varma?
Tilak Varma's injury has created a major selection headache for the Indian team management, especially with the five-match T20I series against New Zealand starting on January 21.
He was confirmed as India's designated No.3 for the World Cup, making his likely absence a significant blow to the team's plans.
It is vital to note that, according to the same reports, the BCCI is expected to announce Tilak Varma's replacement for the New Zealand series soon.
One of the leading options is the return of Shubman Gill to the T20I setup. Gill was dropped from the side earlier due to a lack of runs in the shortest format.
