Published: Jan 10, 2026, 11:39 AM (IST)
Edited: Jan 10, 2026, 11:39 AM (IST)
India have suffered a big setback just ahead of the T20 World Cup, which begins on February 7. Middle-order batter Tilak Varma has been ruled out of the first three T20Is against New Zealand due to injury. The bilateral series, starting on January 21, will be India’s final assignment before the global tournament.
Tilak Varma’s injury has added to India’s concerns ahead of the World Cup. In an official update, the BCCI said that the youngster is recovering well but will need time before returning to action.
“He is currently stable and progressing well. Tilak will resume physical training and gradually return to skill-based activities once his symptoms have fully resolved and wound healing is satisfactory,†the BCCI said.
With doubts over Tilak Varma’s availability for the T20 World Cup, the big question now is who could replace him in the squad. Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra shared his thoughts on the possible options.
“They (India) will have to find a new player. Could it be Shubman Gill? No, it shouldn’t be him. Not even Yashasvi Jaiswal. You do not need an opener. Tilak Varma bats in the middle order. You need someone at No. 3 or No. 4, and if he’s able to contribute with the ball, then excellent. But you do not need an opener,†Chopra said on X.
Chopra then named Shreyas Iyer as his first choice to replace Tilak Varma in the middle order.
“If they cannot be part of this conversation, then who can it be? Shreyas Iyer. He should be an automatic pick, has already been playing really well. Did well in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. When he wasn’t picked for the Asia Cup, it felt wrong. But there’s an opportunity here for a middle-order batter, a senior batter who set the IPL on fire. He fits the bill. Shreyas Iyer will get my vote,†he said.
The former opener also mentioned Riyan Parag as another option if the team prefers an all-rounder.
“If you don’t want to go with Shreyas Iyer, then I would suggest Riyan Parag because he’s been in India’s T20I scheme of things and can bowl a little. If you need an all-rounder – a player with two skills – then Riyan Parag would be that guy, but my first choice is Shreyas Iyer,†Chopra added.
Chopra also spoke about Jitesh Sharma as an outside option but explained why he may not be ideal.
“Jitesh Sharma can be thought of as an outside chance because you are not looking for an opener. There’s no Ruturaj Gaikwad, no Shubman Gill. I am looking for a middle-order batter. Jitesh Sharma was recently part of the team. What goes against him is that he’s a wicketkeeper and you don’t need three of them. So, I will suggest Shreyas Iyer.â€
Tilak Varma has been one of India’s most consistent performers in recent times. He was India’s top scorer in the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan, making his absence a significant concern ahead of the T20 World Cup.
