Left-handed batsman Tilak Varma is expected to participate in India A’s warm-up match against the United States of America before joining the Indian team for the Men’s T20 World Cup commencing on February 7. Varma, aged 23, has been undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru following a recent lower abdominal surgery in Rajkot. Initially slated to join the Indian squad for the final two T20Is against New Zealand, Varma’s inclusion was deferred to prioritize his availability for the World Cup.
Varma recently engaged in a simulation match at the Centre of Excellence to assess his match fitness. Consequently, he is scheduled to play for India A on February 2 in their warm-up fixture against the USA at the DY Patil Stadium. Should this progress positively, Varma is anticipated to join the primary Indian team ahead of their warm-up encounter against South Africa on February 4, as per a source familiar with the situation.
While the official announcement of the India ‘A’ squad by the BCCI is pending, it is anticipated that fast bowler Mayank Yadav will be included after a prolonged absence due to a lower back stress fracture necessitating surgery in Christchurch, New Zealand, last year. Yadav has been diligently focusing on his recovery and training at the Centre of Excellence. Despite limited appearances in the 2025 IPL season due to injury, Lucknow Super Giants retained him for the upcoming 2026 IPL season, indicating his restored fitness and form.
