Tilak Varma comeback to competitive cricket after recovering from injury, giving Indian cricket a timely boost ahead of the ICC Men’s T20I World Cup 2026. The young batter had stayed out of action for several months and missed the recent five-match T20I series against New Zealand following surgery.
Tilak Varma comeback, On Monday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the India A squad for two warm-up matches before the tournament. Ayush Badoni will lead the side, while Tilak Varma earns a place after completing his rehabilitation.
The senior Indian men’s team will also play a warm-up match before the World Cup. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, India will face South Africa on Thursday, February 4. The match will take place at the DY Patil Stadium.
India enter the tournament with strong momentum. The team recently dominated New Zealand in a five-match T20I series and secured a convincing 4–1 victory.
India will begin their ICC Men’s T20I World Cup 2026 campaign against the United States on February 7. The team will then play Namibia on February 12. A much-anticipated clash against Pakistan follows on February 15 in Colombo. India will conclude the group stage against the Netherlands on February 18.
Tilak Varma’s comeback strengthens India’s batting depth. Team management will closely monitor his fitness as the tournament progresses.
