Big Setback for Team India! Tilak Varma set to undergo emergency surgery, T20 World Cup in Doubt

Indian cricket fans woke up to some worrying news today as star batter Tilak Varma was rushed to a private hospital in Rajkot for emergency surgery. The 23-year-old, who has quickly become one of the most reliable names in India’s T20 middle order, is now facing a race against time to be fit for the 2026 T20 World Cup.

The drama unfolded on the morning of January 7. Tilak, in town with the Hyderabad squad for their final league fixture of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, complained of severe abdominal pain shortly after breakfast. What initially seemed like a minor stomach issue quickly turned serious.

The Medical Update

According to medical reports, Tilak was diagnosed with testicular torsion, a condition that causes intense, acute pain and requires immediate surgical intervention to prevent further complications.

“Tilak underwent successful surgery and is doing well now,” confirmed a medical report accessed by Sports Tak.

While the surgery was a success, the timing couldn’t be worse for the southpaw. Doctors have advised a recovery period of three to four weeks, which effectively rules him out of the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand starting January 21.

World Cup Participation in Jeopardy?

The real concern, however, lies with the T20 World Cup, which kicks off on February 7. India is set to play their opening match against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium, exactly one month from today.

If Tilak’s recovery stays on the longer end of the 4-week estimate, he’ll be finishing his rehab just days before the tournament begins. Given the high-intensity nature of T20 cricket, the team management will have to decide if they can afford to take a player who hasn’t had any match practice in a month.

A Major Blow to the Middle Order

Losing Tilak would be a massive headache for the selectors. In his 37 appearances for India, he notched up 1,183 runs at a brilliant average of 49.29 and a strike rate of 144.09. More than the numbers, it’s his ability to stabilize an innings under pressure that makes him so vital. He was a hero in India’s 2025 Asia Cup win, and replacing that kind of left-handed variety in the middle order won’t be easy.

For now, the focus is entirely on his recovery. The next two weeks will be crucial in determining whether he boards the flight for the World Cup or if India will have to look at alternatives like a returning Shreyas Iyer or a reshuffled top order.