IND vs NZ 2026: 3 players who can replace injured Tilak Varma in India's T20I squad

In a major blow to India’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 preparation, middle-order batter Tilak Varma sustained an injury during the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. Although the injury is not serious, he is expected to miss the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, which is slated to start on January 21 in Nagpur.

With the likes of Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh, both capable of playing in the middle-order, already in the squad, the selectors will need to add a player to the squad as the replacement for the Hyderabad batter. As Tilak remains sidelined from the New Zealand series, and a potential threat to the T20 World Cup as well, CricTracker has a look at players who can be a like-for-like replacement for the cricketer. 

Here are 3 players who can replace Tilak Varma in India T20I team

3. Devdutt Padikkal

Devdutt Padikkal has been in fine form across formats in domestic cricket, notably in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The Karnataka batter so far has scored a staggering 620 runs in just 7 innings at an average of 91.42. Even in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he was in fine touch, scoring 309 runs in 6 matches at an impressive strike rate of 167.02.

The selectors will be looking at the Karnataka batter as a potential replacement for the injured youngster for the series against the BlackCaps, considering his strong form, and someone who also provides a left-hand batting option.