Tilak Varma’s Return Delayed, Shreyas Iyer to Remain in Team India for NZ Series as BCCI Prioritizes Fitness

New Delhi: Ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, the BCCI has made it clear that it will not rush any players’ return from injury. As part of this approach, Tilak Varma has been given extra time to regain full fitness. Originally expected to join the squad by the fourth T20 against New Zealand, Tilak may now make his return directly through warm-up matches in Mumbai.

Return-to-Play (RTP) Report Pending
According to the Times of India, Tilak Varma is currently pain-free, but the Bengaluru-based Centre of Excellence (CoE) has not yet cleared him to return to competitive play. A BCCI official stated, “Tilak is progressing very well, but we want him 100% ready for the World Cup. Since he was playing continuously before the injury, he hasn’t missed match practice. We are simply waiting for him to be fully settled before reintegrating him.”

Shreyas Iyer Gets Extension
Shreyas Iyer, initially included in the squad only for the first three T20s of the series, will now be available for the entire New Zealand series. However, Iyer has not yet featured in the playing XI, as Ishan Kishan has secured the No. 3 position with brilliant performances. With Tilak still unavailable, it remains to be seen whether captain Suryakumar Yadav will give Iyer a chance in the remaining matches.

Ishan Kishan Adds Pressure on Selectors
Ishan Kishan’s exceptional form at No. 3 has created an interesting dilemma for the team management. His half-century in the second T20 and aggressive approach in the third match have impressed the selectors. With Sanju Samson struggling and both Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma fit and in form, Team India gains significant depth and balance ahead of the World Cup.

Eyes on the World Cup
India’s World Cup campaign will kick off in Mumbai with the opening match against the USA. Captain Suryakumar Yadav’s return to form and the strong performances in the batting lineup are encouraging signs. The BCCI’s focus remains on fielding a fully fit and balanced squad in time for the high-stakes clash against Pakistan in Colombo on February 15.