Tilak Varma is making one last, determined push to be fully fit as the 2026 T20 World Cup draws near, and has been training intensively at BCCI’s Center of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. A video that has recently gone viral shows the left-hander batting for long in the nets, practicing the fast pace and short ball, with fast bowler Mayank Yadav bowling at full tilt.
The footage highlights the intensity of Varma’s sessions and his urgency to return to competitive cricket after injury. Mayank, another exciting prospect currently training at the CoE, is seen pushing Tilak through challenging routines, highlighting the high-performance environment at the facility and the competitive edge driving India’s next generation.
WHEN WILL TILAK VARMA JOIN INDIA?
Considered one of India’s most promising middle-order batsmen in the shortest format, Varma worked his way back after abdominal surgery earlier this month. The setback forced him to miss India’s T20I series against New Zealand, but his rehabilitation is progressing steadily.
According to the BCCI, Tilak is expected to link up with the Indian team in Mumbai on February 3, just ahead of India’s World Cup warm-up match against South Africa on February 4 at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. Reports also suggest that Mayank Yadav and Riyan Parag are close to being cleared, underscoring India’s desire to go into the tournament with maximum depth and flexibility.
WHO WILL INDIA TAKE UP AT THE WORLD CUP?
For Tilak, this comeback is about more than just fitness. The 22-year-old has already shown his spirited game, and above all with 69 unbeaten in the 2025 Asian Cup finals against Pakistan. With India looking to defend their T20 World Cup crown, Varma’s late-stage push – marked by discipline, intensity and hunger – could prove crucial in cementing his place on the biggest stage.
India were placed in Group A alongside USA, Netherlands, Pakistan and Namibia. Suryakumar Yadav’s side will begin their campaign on Saturday, February 7, against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
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Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
January 31, 2026
