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Tilak Varma displayed impressive performance during the second T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up match against the United States of America (USA), which brought positive news for Team India. The 23-year-old medical emergency occurred on January 7 when doctors identified testicular torsion in him which required surgery at Gokul Hospital in Rajkot.

Tilak achieved quick recovery and received authorization from the Centre of Excellence (CoE) to resume his competitive cricket activities yesterday. The following day, he impressed with a fluent 38-run knock at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Tilak entered the match against the USA during the fifth over according to his regular batting position as India prepared for the T20 World Cup.

The left-handed batter from Hyderabad started cautiously. He managed only 10 runs from his first eight deliveries. However, he found his rhythm in the ninth over. Tilak faced Harmeet Singh because he preferred to bat against left-arm orthodox spinners. He started the over by hitting a precise cut shot through the covers which he followed with a six that went over long-off and a reverse sweep that resulted in a four hit towards deep square leg.

Tilak spent the next several overs maintaining strike control while N Jagadeesan the wicketkeeper-batter attacked opponents from the opposite end. In the 13th over, Tilak again went after a left-arm spinner, this time Nosthush Kenjige. He launched him straight down the ground for another towering six over long-off.

Shubham Ranjane eliminated him from the game at the moment he started to get comfortable. The right-arm pacer bowled a short delivery down the leg side, which Tilak edged to USA wicketkeeper Andries Gous. The 38-run innings which included three fours and two sixes at a strike rate of 158.33 produced major positive results for both Tilak and Team India. He showed no signs of discomfort while he moved about in a comfortable manner.

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Tilak is expected to play in India's only warm-up match before the T20 World Cup against South Africa at the same venue on February 4. However, he will miss India A's second warm-up game against Namibia. The upcoming match will deliver enough game experience which India needs to start their competition against the USA on February 7.