Will Shreyas Iyer make it to the T20 World Cup squad? Tilak Varma's injury opens the door for his return
Shreyas Iyer T20 World Cup Entry: Big news is emerging for the Indian cricket team ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. Young star batsman Tilak Varma recently underwent 'testicular torsion' surgery, which has ruled him out of action for at least four weeks. This injury has not only cast a major doubt on his participation in the upcoming series against New Zealand but also on his involvement in the T20 World Cup starting on January 7th.
Tilak Varma's Injury and Rehabilitation
According to reports, Tilak Varma will require a minimum of four weeks of rehabilitation to fully recover and return to the field. With the T20 World Cup just around the corner, finding an experienced batsman to replace Tilak has become a priority for the selectors.
Shreyas Iyer: A chance to return to the T20I team after 3 years?
Shreyas Iyer is the frontrunner as a potential replacement for Tilak Varma. The Mumbai batsman last played a T20 International match for India in December 2023.
Why is Iyer the strongest contender?
- Excellent form in IPL 2025: Iyer captained Punjab Kings in IPL 2025, leading them to the final and scoring 583 runs himself.
- Strength against spin: In the middle order, Iyer is considered one of India's most dangerous batsmen against spin bowlers.
- Experience: In a major tournament like the World Cup, Team India needs a batsman who can handle pressure.
Selectors Under Pressure
Cricket experts and fans had raised several questions about the selectors' continuous neglect of Iyer. Many experts even termed it "favoritism." However, the 31-year-old Iyer now has a golden opportunity to prove himself and help Team India defend its title.
Waiting for the NZ Series and Official Announcement
The first T20I match between India and New Zealand is scheduled to be played in Nagpur on January 21. Tilak Varma is completely out of this series. Now all eyes are on the BCCI to see if they will officially announce Iyer's return by confirming his name.
