Tilak Varma, over time, has been a dependable middle-order batter. However, Tilak has undergone surgery on his left hand, as he injured it at Hyderabad during the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26. BCCI issued an official confirmation report saying that Varma won't be playing the first three matches of the T20I series against New Zealand.
In case the situation worsens, his participation in the T20 Men's World Cup will be uncertain too. Notably, India will play their first match in the tournament on February 7 at the Wankhade. BCCI has earlier announced the squad for the World Cup, which is the same as the squad playing against New Zealand in the five-match T20 series before that.
If Tilak Varma can't make it till the end, here are possible replacements for the space who can play in the 2026 T20 Men's World Cup.
Read also: Tilak Varma Injury Hits India Before 2026 T20 World Cup, Out of First 3 T20Is vs NZ
1 | Shreyas Iyer
The squad selected for the 2026 T20 Men's World Cup surprisingly had no complaints from the fans. Rather, it looked as if no one could actually make a space replacing anyone at a particular spot. However, if Tilak misses, it opens a spot in the middle order, which suits perfectly for the senior Shreyas Iyer perfectly.
Shreyas was currently recovering from a spleen injury he sustained during the Australia tour. however, he showed extraordinary recovery and even achieved his match fitness in the ongoing Vijaya Hazare Trophy while playing for Mumbai in the last two group games. He will be playing in the new Zealand ODI series as a Vice Captain of the India side and may transcend to the ODI team if the BCCI selection committee finds it suitable.
Shreys, leading Punjab Kings in the 2025 IPL, scored over 600 runs and was an odd miss from the 2026 Asia Cup, which was played in the t20 format. In case Tilak misses, Shreyas may see a rejuvenation, given the stability he provides in the middle blended with aggressive stroke play and finishing abilities.
Read also: IND vs NZ 2026: Indian Vice-Captain Shreyas Iyer Cleared to Join ODI Series Squad
2 | Rishabh Pant
Despite already having Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson as wicketkeeping options, Rishabh Pant could still be considered in India’s setup purely as a specialist batter. While his T20I numbers have not been exceptional, Pant remains one of the fastest scorers in Indian cricket.
A member of India’s 2024 T20 World Cup–winning squad, Pant has scored 5,291 runs at an overall strike rate of 144.40. His versatility allows him to bat at No. 3 or take on a finishing role depending on the team’s requirements.
In addition to his white-ball value, Pant is currently India’s vice-captain in Tests, underlining his importance and leadership role within the squad.
3 | Ruturaj Gaikwad
The 28-year-old may not be in contention for India’s T20I side at the moment, but his performances in white-ball cricket have been impressive. He has featured in 23 matches for India, scoring 633 runs, which include four half-centuries and one century.
His recent form has further strengthened his case, highlighted by his maiden ODI hundred against South Africa in early December. Continuing his strong run, the right-handed batter is currently competing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he has already registered two centuries.
With those knocks, he has moved to the top of the list as the joint-highest century scorer in the tournament’s history.
