India have suffered a major blow ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. Star middle-order batter Tilak Varma has undergone surgery for testicular torsion. The tournament is just four weeks away.
His participation is now in serious doubt. Tilak was rushed to a hospital in Rajkot on January 8 morning. He complained of severe abdominal pain after breakfast.
The incident happened while he was playing for Hyderabad in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26. Doctors carried out medical tests immediately.
Scans confirmed testicular torsion. It is a condition that needs urgent surgery. The operation was completed successfully. Reports say doctors have advised rest for two to four weeks. Because of this, Tilak is likely to miss the five-match T20I series against New Zealand.
Will Tilak Varma play in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026?
The series will start on January 21. His recovery timeline also puts his World Cup place at risk. Tilak’s injury adds selection headache for India Sources said Tilak first felt intense pain on January 7.
He was taken to the hospital without delay. Medical reports were shared with doctors at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence. After consultations, surgery was recommended.
Meanwhile, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will begin in early February. Experts believe Tilak has very little time to recover fully. Any delay could rule him out of the tournament.
Tilak was one of India’s best performers in the Asia Cup 2025. He played a match-winning knock in the final. In T20Is, he has scored 1,183 runs in 37 innings. He averages 49.29 with a strike rate of 144.09. He has two centuries and six half-centuries. All his T20I fifties have come while chasing. His average while chasing is 68.
With Tilak Varma unavailable, India may need to reshuffle their middle order. Suryakumar Yadav remains the first-choice No. 3 batter. The team management is expected to announce a replacement soon.
Testicular torsion is a serious medical emergency. It happens when blood supply to the testicle is cut off. It causes sudden and severe pain. Recovery usually takes two to four weeks. India now wait anxiously for updates on Tilak’s fitness.
