Tilak Varma Returns, But Look Who Else is Back in the India A Squad!

The wait is finally over. After weeks of speculation, hush-hush whispers about surgeries, and anxious glances at the calendar, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has delivered the news every Indian cricket fan was praying for.

Tilak Varma, the stylish southpaw who provides the vital glue in India’s middle order, has been medically cleared to return to competitive cricket.

But that is not the only headline emerging from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. In a move that adds a thrilling subplot to the World Cup preparations, India’s forgotten speed merchant—the man who clocked 156.7 kmph in the IPL—is also back.

With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 opener just days away, here is the full story of the returns, the rehabs, and the “India A” secret weapon.

The Return of the “X-Factor”: Tilak Varma

Tilak Varma’s absence from the ongoing New Zealand series was a glaring hole in the Indian lineup. While Ishan Kishan filled in admirably at No. 3, the balance Tilak offers—with his ability to anchor, accelerate, and bowl handy off-spin—is irreplaceable.

The Injury & Rehab:

The 23-year-old had been sidelined for nearly a month following a sensitive and painful injury. Varma underwent lower abdominal/testicular surgery after sustaining a blow during a Ranji Trophy match in January.

For the past few weeks, he has been holed up at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, working silently on his recovery.

The Verdict:

According to sources, Tilak played a simulation match at the CoE on Friday. He batted, ran between the wickets, and fielded without discomfort. The medical team has now given him the “Green Light.”

“Tilak played a simulation match at the CoE on Friday to test his match fitness… If it goes well, then he will join the main Indian team.” — BCCI Source

The Roadmap: Two Games to World Cup Fitness

The BCCI isn’t rushing him directly into the pressure cooker of a World Cup match. Instead, they have devised a clever two-step reintegration plan involving the India A squad.

Table 1: Tilak Varma’s Road to the World Cup Opener

This schedule confirms that Tilak will get ample game time to shake off the rust before the tournament proper begins.

The Surprise Package: Mayank Yadav Returns!

While Tilak’s return was expected, the inclusion of Mayank Yadav in the India A setup is the bolt from the blue that has excited the cricketing fraternity.

The tearaway quick, who took the IPL by storm before vanishing due to a lower back stress fracture, has been out of action for nearly a year. He underwent surgery in Christchurch, New Zealand, and has been in a long, grueling rehab process.

Why this matters:

• The Pace: Mayank is one of the few bowlers in India capable of consistently hitting 150+ kmph.
• The Fitness Test: Like Tilak, Mayank also featured in the simulation game on Friday and bowled with venom.
• IPL Future: Despite missing most of 2025, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) retained him for the 2026 season, showing their faith in his unique talent.

He is set to unleash his thunderbolts against the USA team in the warm-up game on Feb 2. It will be a severe test for the American batters and a mouth-watering sight for Indian selectors.

The “Shadow Squad”: India A’s Role

With the main squad busy with media commitments and strategy, the BCCI has assembled a formidable “India A” unit to provide high-quality practice opposition for visiting teams (USA and Namibia).

This squad is packed with players recovering from injury or those knocking on the door of selection.

Table 2: The Reported India A Squad “The Rehabilitation Unit”

Riyan Parag is another significant name on this list. The batting all-rounder has been out for two months with a shoulder injury. His participation in the warm-ups suggests he is back to full fitness, adding depth to India’s white-ball reserves.

India’s World Cup Schedule: The Clock is Ticking

With the warm-ups sorted, the focus shifts to the main event. India, placed in Group A, has a schedule that takes them across the subcontinent.

The clash against Pakistan on Feb 15 is the date circled in red, but they cannot afford to take the USA or the tricky Netherlands lightly.

Table 3: India’s Group A Fixtures

Editorial Analysis: Why Tilak Varma is the Missing Piece

Former cricketers, including Irfan Pathan, have been vocal about the need for “percentage cricketers” in the middle order—players who can rotate strike when the ball grips and hit boundaries when needed.

While Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya provide explosiveness, Tilak Varma provides composure.

• Left-Hander Advantage: He breaks the monotony of right-handers in the top order (Rohit, Gill/Jaiswal, Kohli, SKY).
• Spin Play: He is exceptional against spin, a crucial skill for matches in Colombo and Ahmedabad.

His return effectively solves the “No. 4/5 dilemma.” If he hits form in the warm-ups against USA and South Africa, he walks straight into the Playing XI, likely displacing the backup wicket-keeper or an extra batter.

Conclusion: All Systems Go

The puzzle pieces are falling into place for the defending champions.

• Tilak Varma: Fit.
• Mayank Yadav: Bowling fast.
• Riyan Parag: Recovering.

Monday, February 2, at the DY Patil Stadium won’t just be a practice match between India A and USA. It will be the final fitness exam for India’s World Cup hopes.

Stay tuned to T20WorldCup2026.com for live updates from the DY Patil Stadium.