Aakash Chopra suggests replacements for Tilak Varma's absence

Indian batter Tilak Varma is out for the first three T20 matches against New Zealand due to tummy surgery. Former cricketer Aakash Chopra suggests Shreyas Iyer as a top replacement, with Riyan Parag and Jitesh Sharma also in the mix. The Men in Blue kick off their series on January 21 in Nagpur, but no replacement has been named yet.

Quick rundown

1.Tilak Varma's injury kicks off a fresh middle-order chess game.

2.Chopra's pick: Shreyas Iyer shines as the ideal replacement thanks to form and IPL mastery.

3.Riyan Parag enters as the versatile, all-round backup.

4.Jitesh Sharma could crash the party as a keeper-batter wildcard.

5.NZ T20I series starts in Nagpur with a 14-man squad and no official replacement yet.

IND vs NZ 2026: Who Will Step Up for Injured Tilak Varma?
IND vs NZ 2026: Who Will Step Up for Injured Tilak Varma?
Listen up, India! Tilak Varma just took a little detour to the injury list during the Vijay Hazare Trophy, and he’s out for the T20I battle against New Zealand starting January 21 in Nagpur. But fear not! The selectors are ready to unleash Devdutt Padikkal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and the returning champ Shreyas Iyer to electrify the squad. It’s time to lay the smackdown!
08:25 am on Thursday, 8 January, 2026
Aakash Chopra declares Shreyas Iyer the T20 MVP choice
Aakash Chopra declares Shreyas Iyer the T20 MVP choice
Listen up, folks! Aakash Chopra is making waves! Tilak Varma? He’s out, folks, and it’s a big deal. But guess who’s stepping in? Shreyas Iyer! Tremendous experience, believe me. If Tilak can’t recover from that surgery—what a disaster—then Iyer’s the man! Riyan Parag and Jitesh Sharma are in the mix too, but India needs a middle-order hero. Big showdown on February 7 in Mumbai, folks! Get ready to win!
04:10 pm on Thursday, 8 January, 2026
Tilak Varma's Groin Hex: A Setback for India's T20 Adventure
Tilak Varma's Groin Hex: A Setback for India's T20 Adventure
In a spellbinding twist, valiant middle-order wizard Tilak Varma has been struck down by a mischievous groin hex, sidelining him from the first three T20 battles against the New Zealand sorcerers. The BCCI, like a wise old wizard, has confirmed this news, leaving fans in a flurry of anticipation as they await his magical recovery and return to the enchanted cricket pitch.
05:45 pm on Thursday, 8 January, 2026
Shreyas Iyer to Step In for Injured Tilak Varma's Quest
Shreyas Iyer to Step In for Injured Tilak Varma's Quest
In a spellbinding twist, brave Tilak Varma has been struck by the dark curse of testicular torsion, casting a shadow over his participation in the T20I series against New Zealand. But fear not! The heroic Shreyas Iyer, fresh from his own recovery, is poised to swoop in and reclaim his spot in the T20I squad, ready to weave his magic once more.
07:00 am on Thursday, 8 January, 2026
Tilak Varma ki surgery: Team India ka kya hoga ab?
Tilak Varma ki surgery: Team India ka kya hoga ab?
Team India ki khabar hai, dosto! Tilak Varma, hamara chamakta sitara, pehle teen T20Is se out ho gaya hai! Abdominal surgery ki wajah se! BCCI keh raha hai, wo stable hai, lekin kya yeh acceptable hai? Suryakumar Yadav ko mauka milega, par kya wo form dikhayega? Aur Ishan Kishan, kya wo Varma ki jagah le sakta hai? Desh dekh raha hai!
11:35 pm on Saturday, 10 January, 2026

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