Overview
- Varma experienced acute testicular pain during the Vijay Hazare Trophy in Rajkot, was diagnosed with testicular torsion, underwent immediate surgery, and has been discharged to return to Hyderabad.
- He is ruled out of the first three T20Is against New Zealand from January 21–25, with availability for the January 28 and 31 matches dependent on his recovery, according to the BCCI.
- The board estimates a layoff of nearly three weeks, with various reports putting recovery at 2–4 weeks, leaving his participation in the February 7 T20 World Cup uncertain.
- India have not named a replacement, and reports indicate selectors are unlikely to recall Shubman Gill to the T20 squad given concerns about benching the ODI and Test captain.
- Pundits are promoting alternatives, with Aakash Chopra urging a recall for Shreyas Iyer in the middle order, while media discussions also mention Ishan Kishan, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan and Riyan Parag.