Tilak Varma, India’s breakout hero from the Asia Cup, could be facing a race against time to make the upcoming T20 World Cup. The young left-hander has undergone surgery for an abdominal injury and is expected to be sidelined for at least 3–4 weeks. With the World Cup set to begin in exactly a month, his participation now hangs in the balance.
For Team India, this is more than just an injury scare. Tilak has become a crucial cog in India’s T20 setup - calm under pressure, fearless against spin, and reliable in the middle order. Losing him at this stage would be a major setback. But elite teams plan for contingencies, and India must now look at its backup options in case Tilak fails to recover in time.
Devdutt Padikkal
If current form is the sole selection criteria, Devdutt Padikkal puts himself right at the top of the list. The left-handed top-order batter offers a near like-for-like replacement for Tilak, both in role and temperament. Padikkal has been in sensational touch, recently becoming the first batter to score over 600 runs across three seasons of the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
His recent numbers are staggering - 4 centuries in his last 6 matches, along with a commanding 91. Consistency, confidence, and composure define Padikkal’s game right now, making him a serious contender for a World Cup call-up.
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Yashasvi Jaiswal has already shown he belongs at the highest level. The aggressive left-hander recently followed up an ODI century against South Africa with a blistering T20 hundred against Haryana in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, reaching the milestone in just 50 balls.
In T20 internationals, Jaiswal averages over 36 while striking at a jaw-dropping rate of 164.3. These aren’t just promising numbers; they are elite-level returns. With his ability to dominate bowlers from ball one, Jaiswal brings a match-winning edge that few others can.
Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill’s T20 journey has hit a temporary roadblock after a series of underwhelming performances led to his omission. However, injuries have a way of reopening doors. A recall to the squad cannot be ruled out, especially given Gill’s pedigree and experience on big occasions.
That said, a squad replacement does not automatically translate into a spot in the playing XI. India already has Ishan Kishan in the mix, and his versatility makes him a strong candidate to slot in at No. 3 or 4 if required.
Final Word
Tilak Varma’s fitness will be closely monitored in the coming weeks, but the clock is ticking. Team India cannot afford sentiment over preparedness at a World Cup. Whether it’s Padikkal’s red-hot form, Jaiswal’s explosive firepower, or Gill’s proven class, the selectors have tough decisions to make.
One thing is clear - if Tilak Varma misses out, the door will open for someone else to seize the moment. In World Cups, opportunities are rare, and hesitation can be costly.
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