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IND vs NZ: Indian batsman Tilak Verma has been ruled out of the last two matches of the ongoing T20 series against New Zealand due to an abdominal injury. While playing for Hyderabad during the Vijay Hazare Trophy this month, he suffered severe pain in his testicles. After this, after hospitalization and successful surgery, he is now rehabbing at the BCCI Center of Excellence in Bengaluru.

BCCI’s latest update regarding Verma

BCCI said on Monday that Tilak has resumed physical training and his recovery is going well. But he needs more time for match fitness. Therefore he will remain out of the entire series.

Shreyas Iyer, who had replaced Tilak for the first three matches, will now remain in the team for the last two matches as well. Tilak will join the team in Mumbai on February 3, ahead of the warm-up matches for the T20 World Cup 2026.

Question on World Cup

This absence of Tilak is a matter of concern for India, because he is an important player in the T20 World Cup 2026. The delay in his return has increased the challenge before the team management. Fans fear whether his fitness will be fully recovered before the World Cup or not.

Tilak is a strong option in the middle order and his aggressive batting gives balance to the team. If he is not fit on time, the team will have to find another option.

Ishan Kishan’s explosive form

Meanwhile, Ishan Kishan has taken great advantage of the opportunity. He scored 112 runs in three innings at a strike rate of 224. In the second T20, he scored 76 runs in 32 balls, which included 11 fours and 4 sixes. India achieved the target of 209 runs in just 15.2 overs.

Kishan’s form has confirmed his place in the playing eleven, which may affect the team balance. Now the team management will have to decide who to give priority to in the World Cup.

Possibility of change in the team

Shreyas Iyer may get a chance in the last matches against New Zealand, but in front of Kishan’s excellent form, it seems difficult for him to make a place in the playing eleven. This series is an important part of the World Cup preparation for the Indian team.