Tilak Varma ruled out of first three T20s against New Zealand

ISLAMABAD: Indian cricketer Tilak Varma has been ruled out of the first three matches of the five-match T20 series against New Zealand.

According to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Tilak Varma underwent testicular surgery in Rajkot on Wednesday and has been advised rest.

The board said a decision on his availability for the remaining two matches will be taken after he returns to training and completes the required fitness process.

Tilak Varma had played for Hyderabad against Bengal in the Vijay Hazare Trophy on Tuesday, and reports say he did not sustain any injury during the match.

However, after later complaining of pain, he was immediately taken for scans, following which surgery was performed.

Sources said Tilak Varma’s participation in the remainder of the series against New Zealand, as well as the World Cup match against the United States on February 7, remains uncertain.

It may be noted that Tilak Varma has been an important member of India’s T20 team in recent months, scoring 567 runs in 18 innings last year.

No replacement has yet been announced for the five-match series against New Zealand.