Tilak Varma’s fluent all-round return in India A’s 38‑run win over USA has effectively cleared his fitness for the T20 World Cup, handing Suryakumar Yadav’s side a major boost at exactly the right time.

Tilak Varma’s “all boxes ticked” comeback

Playing his first competitive game after lower abdominal surgery and a three‑week “Return To Play” block at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, Tilak batted, fielded and bowled without visible discomfort.

He scored 38 off 24 balls, striking three fours and two towering sixes, mainly attacking left-arm spinners Harmeet Singh and Nosthush Kenjige, and repeatedly put Harmeet under pressure with three boundaries.

In the field he sprinted back to complete a difficult, over‑the‑shoulder catch to dismiss Saiteja Mukkamalla, showing full mobility and confidence. ​

Tilak also rolled his arm over, picked up a wicket and then took a second catch, underlining that he is match‑ready in all three departments.

Team management, selectors and head coach Gautam Gambhir primarily wanted this outing as a live “fitness test” before he links up with the main World Cup squad, and reports from the game suggest he passed “in flying colours”.

India A thrash USA in high-scoring warm-up

India A, packed with IPL regulars, stuck to the senior team’s ultra‑aggressive T20 template.

Narayan Jagadeesan smashed 104 off 55 balls with 11 fours and five sixes to power a huge total.

Skipper Ayush Badoni blazed 60 off just 24 balls in the death overs, while Riyan Parag’s batting time was limited but his selection itself marked a successful return from injury.

USA responded bravely on a flat pitch and finished on 200, with Sanjay Krishnamurthi’s 18‑ball 41 the standout cameo.

Leg‑spinner Ravi Bishnoi, in the frame to replace Washington Sundar if needed, strengthened his case with three wickets.

What Tilak’s return means for India’s XI

Tilak is widely pencilled in as India’s first‑choice No. 3 for the World Cup, and his clean outing means he is expected to slot straight back into that role.

His successful return “probably shuts the door” on Sanju Samson at three, with Ishan Kishan now strongly favoured to open and keep wickets after a prolific New Zealand series, while Samson has endured five consecutive failures.

With Suryakumar Yadav already praising Tilak’s importance and form, this game was the last big hurdle between him and a central role in India’s title defence.

The only slight negative for India was tearaway quick Mayank Yadav looking understandably rusty on comeback – 0/37 in 3 overs with a remodelled, less jumpy action – but his pace, like Tilak’s batting, is seen as a long‑term weapon once rhythm returns.