Tilak Varma poised for T20 World Cup return, picked in India A's squad for warm-up match to get final tune-up

Tilak Varma is scheduled to play one warm-up match before linking up with the Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian squad for the T20 World Cup

Updated on: Feb 2, 2026, 12:49:05 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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Tilak Varma is set to return to India’s T20 set-up ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup after making a full recovery from injury. The left-handed batter had missed the New Zealand series due to a groin issue, but is now back to full fitness. Since the 2024 T20 World Cup, Tilak has emerged as an important part of India’s T20I plans, adding stability and intent in the middle order. His return is expected to strengthen India’s batting depth going into the global event. To ensure he is match-ready, the BCCI has named him in the India A squad for warm-up fixtures, allowing him valuable game time. Tilak is scheduled to play one warm-up match before linking up with the Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian squad for the T20 World Cup, giving the team a timely boost.

Tilak Varma picked in India A's squad for warm-up match. (REUTERS)

Tilak's role at the top of the order could be a defining factor for India at the T20 World Cup. In just 40 matches, he has already piled up 1,183 runs from 37 innings, averaging an impressive 49.29 with a strike rate of 144.09. His numbers include two hundreds and six half-centuries, underlining both consistency and impact. At a time when India has embraced a high-risk, ultra-attacking style in T20 cricket, Tilak offers much-needed balance and calm at the crease. His record at No. 3 stands out even more — 542 runs in 15 innings at an average of 60.22 and a strike rate north of 160, with two centuries and three fifties, including a career-best unbeaten 120.

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After the final T20I against New Zealand, India skipper Suryakumar Yadav provided an update on the fitness of Tilak Varma and Washington Sundar, expressing optimism over their recovery and hinting at their potential return to action in the near future.

"I think Washington Sundar is also doing well. We spoke to both of them yesterday (Tilak Varma and Washington Sundar). Tilak is much better. Washington has almost started his bowling and batting. So he is also looking good. Hopefully, we get him back soon."

Ayush Badoni to lead India A

Meanwhile, the Ayush Badoni-led India A side will play two warm-up matches against the USA and Namibia. Ravi Bishnoi, who featured in India’s squad for the New Zealand T20Is, has also been named in the A team alongside Riyan Parag, Khaleel Ahmed and others, with Manav Suthar set to serve as Badoni’s deputy for the fixtures.

India A squad: Ayush Badoni (C), Priyansh Arya, NJagadeesan (WK), Naman Dhir, Riyan Parag, Ashutosh Sharma, Urvil Patel (WK), Vipraj Nigam, Manav Suthar (VC), Ravi Bishnoi, Khaleel Ahmed, Mayank Yadav, Ashok Sharma, Tilak Varma, Gurjapneet Singh.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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