Tilak Varma Out of India-New Zealand T20Is After Surgery

Indian middle-order batter Tilak Varma underwent successful surgery for testicular torsion on Thursday after experiencing acute pain during a domestic match in Rajkot, casting serious doubt on his availability for the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand that begins on January 21 in Nagpur.

The 23-year-old left-hander, part of the Hyderabad squad in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scored 34 runs off 45 balls in his team's 107-run victory over Bengal on January 6. The following day, he reported severe discomfort and was admitted to Gokul Hospital in Rajkot, where scans confirmed the diagnosis. A Board of Control for Cricket in India official stated, "Tilak Varma reported acute testicular pain in Rajkot where he is part of the Hyderabad team for the Vijay Hazare tournament. He was taken to Gokul Hospital and on scan was diagnosed with testicular torsion, sudden intense pain, and was advised immediate surgery. We got an opinion from our specialists who agreed with the same. Tilak underwent successful surgery and is doing well now. We will update you as soon as we have more information on his recovery and expected timeframe for his return to play post discussion with the...