Tilak Varma, the seasoned batter and the spin bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar, who were ruled out with injury concerns, are likely to make a return ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup.
Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian skipper, dropped the latest update on the Indian duo.
India are all prepared and decked up for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup after having crushed the Kiwis in the 5-match home series in the shortest format of the game. The team has been revamped in the absence of one of their most seasoned batters.
India played the entire stretch of the New Zealand T20I series without their seasoned batter Tilak Varma. Tilak was last seen in the South Africa series, where he scored a couple of half-centuries and proved why he is one of the most reliable batters in the Indian side.
Tilak Varma to join the Indian team for practice matches in Mumbai
Indian T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav, the series-winning skipper against New Zealand, shared an update about the availability of the two Indian cricketers, Tilak Varma and Washington Sundar, for the ICC T20 World Cup.
According to the skipper of the Indian team, Tilak would be joining the team next week ahead of their T20 World Cup campaign. He would join ahead of the two practice games in Mumbai.
"Tilak Varma…he has been shaping well. I heard he is playing two games in Bombay (Mumbai) on the 2nd and the 4th. Think two games are enough. I spoke to him yesterday only," Surya said.
"He has started batting, bowling, fielding and everything. So, hopefully, we should have him soon," he added.
Washington Sundar's recovery is on track ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026
When asked about Washington Sundar, who was ruled out with a rib injury during the ODI series against New Zealand, is recovering from the rib injury. Suryakumar agreed that he has been rehabilitating, and the return is on track.
"I think Washy is also doing well. We spoke to both of them (Tilak and Washington) yesterday. Tilak is much better. Washy has almost started his bowling and batting. He is also looking good. Hopefully, we get him back soon," he added.
Washington Sundar struggled with a rib pull during the bowling innings and was sent out; however, he had to come out to bat in the second innings, when India completed a dominant 300-run chase.
Suryakumar Yadav made a dream comeback ahead of the World Cup
Suryakumar Yadav, the veteran batter for India in T20Is, has returned to commanding form ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Suryakumar's form was a huge concern for India as his average had dropped below 14 over the last 25 games.
However, when he came into the NZ series, Suryakumar Yadav seemed determined to return to form for the marquee tournament. He started off with a decent 30 and then went on to score three half-centuries in the next four innings for India.
Kishan finished the series as the highest scorer. Having amassed 242 runs in 5 matches, he averaged 80.67 and batted with a strike rate of 196.75. It almost seemed like Suryakumar Yadav returned to his vintage self.
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