Tilak Varma Out of T20 World Cup, Former Cricketer Suggests Shreyas Iyer as Replacement

New Delhi: India’s young batting sensation Tilak Varma has suffered a setback ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The star batter recently underwent surgery for an abdominal injury and will miss the first three matches of India’s five-match T20 series against New Zealand. With his participation in the World Cup now uncertain, speculation is growing over who could replace him in the squad if he is not fit in time.

Akash Chopra Suggests a Middle-Order Replacement

Former Indian cricketer and commentator Akash Chopra shared his views in a video post on X, stating that India needs a middle-order batter rather than an opener to fill Tilak’s spot. Chopra said:
“You need a player who can bat at number 3 or 4. If he can bowl, even better. But you don’t want an opener. Shubman Gill or Yashasvi Jaiswal won’t fit here because Tilak Varma is a middle-order batter.”

Shreyas Iyer as the Top Pick

Chopra recommended Shreyas Iyer as the automatic pick for the role. He added:
“Iyer has been performing exceptionally well. He had a good Vijay Hazare Trophy and is experienced. He should be the first choice for the middle order, especially for someone who has set fire to the IPL. My vote goes to Shreyas Iyer.”

Alternate Options: Riyan Parag and Jitesh Sharma

If Iyer is unavailable, Chopra suggested Riyan Parag as an alternative, noting that he is part of India’s T20 setup and can contribute as an all-rounder. As an outside option, Chopra also mentioned Jitesh Sharma, emphasizing the need for a middle-order batter rather than an opener, ruling out players like Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, or Yashasvi Jaiswal.

“The priority is finding a strong middle-order batter. Recently, Jitesh Sharma has been part of the team, but he is primarily a wicketkeeper. Hence, Shreyas Iyer is my top recommendation,” Chopra concluded.

With the T20 World Cup approaching, the team management will have to decide quickly on a replacement to ensure balance in the middle order, keeping India’s title hopes intact.