India’s preparations for the T20 World Cup received a timely boost when Tilak Varma was again included in the India A squad for the pre-tournament warm-ups. Freshly cleared by the BCCI Center of Excellence following a testicular operation, Tilak is all set for a final fitness and form check before rejoining the senior side.
The India A side will be led by Ayush Badoni and will play two warm-up matches before the T20 World Cup begins on Saturday. For Tilak, the selection is a significant milestone in his comeback after being sidelined due to injury.
India Complete Squad, T20 World Cup Prep: Ayush Badoni (C), Naman Dhir, Ashutosh Sharma, Priyansh Arya, N. Jagadeesan (WK), Tilak Varma, Riyan Parag, Manav Suthar, Ashok Sharma, Urvil Patel (WK), Gurjapneet Singh, Vipraj Nigam, Ravi Bishnoi, May Khaleel Ahmed,
The 22-year-old will join the India A squad in Mumbai for a match on February 2 against the USA, followed by another match against South Africa on February 4. Both matches will be played at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.
Tilak Varma’s latest move in the T20 World Cup
Tilak Varma has been out of competitive cricket for some time following a health setback that ruled him out of the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand. The left-hander was hospitalized earlier this month after suffering acute testicular pain while playing for Hyderabad in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in Rajkot. He later underwent successful surgery and has since been recuperating at the BCCI Center of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Before his return, Tilak spent long hours at the Center of Excellence, working on his match readiness rather than just conditioning.
A video recently emerged from the nets that offered a glimpse into this phase, showing him bowling extended spells against high pace and sustained spells with the short ball. One notable aspect of the session was his throw-in against the lightning quick Mayank Yadav, which came in full force as part of Tilak’s latest push for competitive readiness.
Why India need Tilak Varma in T20 World Cup
Tilak has already proven his worth at the highest level. His unbeaten 69 in the 2025 Asia Cup final against Pakistan remains one of the defining knocks of the tournament that best showcased his prowess in pressure situations.
As India prepare to defend their T20 World Cup title, Tilak’s return adds balance and depth to the middle order. His ability to handle spin, absorb pressure and shift gears quickly makes him a strong pick entering the tournament.
India have been placed in Group A alongside USA, Netherlands, Pakistan and Namibia and will open their campaign on February 7 against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Before that, the warm-up games offer Tilak a crucial opportunity to show that he is not only fit again, but ready to play a meaningful role, ideally at No. 3 or No. 4 in India’s batting order.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
February 2, 2026
