Tilak Varma cleared fit by BCCI CoE, to join India T20 World Cup squad on February 3
Tilak Varma Set For Full Recovery, To Join India Squad On February 3 Ahead Of T20 World Cup
India’s swashbuckling batter Tilak Varma is on the verge of a timely return, with BCCI sources confirming he’ll be cleared fit by the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and link up with the T20 World Cup squad in Mumbai on February 3 – just four days before the tournament opener against USA.
Groin surgery to simulation success
Tilak, 23, underwent groin surgery on January 7 after reporting pain during a Vijay Hazare Trophy game in Rajkot, sidelining him from the ongoing India-New Zealand T20I series.
He checked into the BCCI CoE in Bengaluru for rehab, steadily ramping up training intensity.
On Friday, January 30, he ticked the final box with a successful simulation match, proving full match fitness to the medical team.
A BCCI insider confirmed: “He has regained full match fitness” and will be released to rejoin the national setup.
This rapid turnaround – just over three weeks post-surgery – is a massive boost for defending champions India, who open against USA in Mumbai on February 7.
Shreyas Iyer’s stand-in role ends
Tilak’s injury prompted the BCCI to call up Shreyas Iyer as cover for the New Zealand series, with Iyer retained for the final two games despite Tilak’s impending return.
Iyer, initially a temporary replacement, featured in the middle order and now heads back after his stint.
Tilak slots back as the preferred No. 3, his natural spot where he’s averaged 40+ in T20Is with a strike rate near 150.
Post-clearance, he’ll dive into warm-up games, ensuring he’s match-sharp for the Super Six and knockouts.
Timely boost for India’s World Cup defence
India’s 15-man squad for the India-Sri Lanka co-hosted T20 World Cup breathes easier with Tilak’s green light.
As a left-handed middle-order dynamo, he’s key to bridging powerplay and death overs, especially in chases.
His return completes a fully fit core ahead of the USA opener, followed by Pakistan on February 15 in Colombo.
With the tournament running February 7 to March 8 across eight venues, Tilak’s versatility – batting, part-time spin – adds balance.
Fans can expect to see him in Mumbai nets from February 3, priming for what could be his breakout World Cup.