Published on: Jan 15, 2026 6:26 pm IST|Updated on: Jan 15, 2026 6:31 pm IST
Team India is all set to host New Zealand for a 5-match T20I series starting from January 21 in Nagpur. This series is India’s final assignment and build-up ahead of the all-important ICC T20 World Cup 2026, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Team India’s preparations for this T20I series have been jolted by the sudden absence of Tilak Varma. The 23-year-old southpaw underwent emergency abdominal surgery after experiencing acute pain, ruling him out of the first three games. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the development on Thursday, leaving the selectors with the task of finding a suitable replacement.
Tilak’s absence is significant. Over the past year, he has been one of India’s most consistent performers in the shortest format, scoring 847 runs from 22 innings at an average of 60.5, including two centuries and four half-centuries. His match-winning, unbeaten 69 in the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan showcased his temperament and ability to deliver under pressure. With such a vital cog missing, India must look at alternatives who can fill the void in the middle order in the upcoming series and probably in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 to commence on February 7. Here are three names who could step in for Tilak Varma in the upcoming series against New Zealand.
Perhaps the most logical name to replace Varma in the squad. The Indian ODI vice-captain himself returned from a rib-related injury he sustained in the ODI series against Australia down under. The stylish batter has been out of the Indian T20I setup since December 2023.
The 31-year-old Iyer hasn’t played a T20I since December 2023. From 51 T20Is, he has scored 1,104 runs at an average of 30.66 and a strike rate of 136.12, including eight fifties. With the selectors looking for a prominent name who can deliver in the middle order, Iyer should be the apt replacement.
Another name who has been long overdue for getting a place in India’s T20I side is the Maharashtra stalwart Ruturaj Gaikwad. The right-hander was once considered the next big thing in Indian cricket but vanished all of a sudden ever since Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir took control over Indian cricket.
Gaikwad last represented Team India in the ODI series against South Africa, where he scored a magnificent ton in the second game. Gaikwad played at no. 4 in that game despite being an opener and could don the same role if given a chance in the T20Is setup.
Well, this could be a wild thought, but why not try the 14-year-old prodigy who has been making all the right noises in recent times? After stunning one and all with his stroke play in the IPL last season for Rajasthan Royals, which included the fastest-ever IPL century, Suryavanshi hasn’t looked back.
The youngster has been scoring runs for fun at a brisk pace all around the globe, representing India A and India U19. With the devastating form Suryavanshi has been in right now, putting faith in him won’t be a bad idea, especially with the World Cup staged at home. If somehow Vaibhav gets a nod in place of Varma, he could open the innings along with Abhishek Sharma, with first-choice keeper-batter Sanju Samson slotting in at no. 3 or 4.
Tilak Varma’s absence is undoubtedly a setback, given his consistency and ability to play match-defining innings. However, India’s bench strength ensures that the team has multiple options to fill the void. Shreyas Iyer offers experience and stability, Ruturaj Gaikwad provides versatility and adaptability, while Vaibhav Suryavanshi brings youthful exuberance and fearless batting. For now, check out the current T20I squad for the New Zealand series and the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh