India have also been dealt a possible setback before the next round of T20Is against New Zealand with middle-order batter Tilak Varma in a race against time to be healed of an abdominal injury. The left-hander is now under severe uncertainty of playing the series, and the team management is also worried, particularly as the T20 world cup is looming.
Tilak, who has taken a regular part in T20 set up in India in the last one year, reported with abdominal discomfort when in Rajkot where he had been representing Hyderabad in Vijay Hazare Trophy. After preliminary examinations, he was taken to the Centre of Excellence (COE) of the Board of Control Cricket in India in Bengaluru, where he was sent to get medical examination. The medical staff has recommended surgery, which might put him out of three to four weeks, according to sources.
This kind of recovery schedule leaves it with very little chance that Tilak will participate in the entire T20I series against New Zealand. More importantly, it casts a dark cloud on the preparations of India on the T20 World Cup which Tilak has already been included in the squad. The start of their world cup campaign is on February 7 against the USA and this means that India will have little time to restore their match fitness by a batter.
Tilak has become one of the top middle order assets of India which has provided stability and flexibility. His significance was highlighted last year when during the Asia cup, he was instrumental in helping India to win the title. The best of his performances was during the last match against Pakistan, where he composed and match defining half-century in a pressure situation.
The absence of Tilak means that the management of the Indian team will have to consider other options as the middle order in the New Zealand series as well as the World Cup.
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