India have suffered a major injury blow ahead of the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand, with Tilak Varma reportedly nursing an abdominal issue. The latest concern has put a question mark over his availability in the series. Varma was in Rajkot with the Hyderabad squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) when he complained of pain on January 8 and was immediately taken to Gokul Hospital. Following the scans, it was confirmed he was diagnosed with testicular torsion.
“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 the Indian Express
“Doctors have advised him to undergo surgery, which will take three to four week for him to recover. Chances of playing the entire T20I against New Zealand looks bleak."
Over the past year, the left-hander has emerged as one of India’s most reliable middle-order options in the shortest format. Tilak was instrumental in India's title win at the Asia Cup 2025, playing a match-winning knock in the final against Pakistan.