Tilak Varma has been cleared to play competitive cricket by the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) Centre of Excellence (CoE). On January 7, the 23-year-old was rushed to the Gokul Hospital in Rajkot, where he was diagnosed with testicular torsion and underwent emergency surgery.
Tilak Varma to play 2 warm-up matches
In the aftermath, Tilak missed the entire India vs New Zealand ODI and T20I series. There was some doubt over his T20 World Cup 2026 participation. But, according to ESPNcricinfo, he has received his return to play (RTP) clearance.
Tilak was expected to play India’s sole warm-up match against South Africa on February 4 at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. But that won’t be all. The BCCI wants the 23-year-old to play one game for India ‘A’ as well.
He was expected to link up with India’s squad in Mumbai on February 3, but he’ll reach Mumbai earlier. He’ll feature in the India ‘A’ vs USA match, which will be played on February 2 in Navi Mumbai.
No update on Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag fit again
There’s no update regarding Washington Sundar’s recovery. He’s expected to undergo a fitness test on February 4. Once that’s done, the CoE and BCCI will discuss the next course of action.
Riyan Parag has been looked at as Sundar’s replacement. The all-rounder has been battling injuries as well. But luckily, like Tilak, he has been cleared to play. Parag will feature for India ‘A’ in both matches. If things don’t go right with Washington, BCCI might add him to India’s squad for the T20 World Cup.
India & India A’s T20 World Cup warm-up schedule
| Date | Teams | Venue | Local Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 2 | India A vs USA | DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai | 5:00 PM |
| February 4 | India vs South Africa | DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai | 7:00 PM |
| February 6 | India A vs Namibia | CoE, Bengaluru | 5:00 PM |
