Indian cricketer Tilak Varma has been ruled out of the first three T20 International matches against New Zealand after undergoing successful surgery for testicular torsion. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the development on January 8, 2026, stating that Varma underwent the procedure in Rajkot on January 7. He was discharged from the hospital on the morning of January 8 and is reported to be stable and progressing well. Varma is scheduled to fly back to Hyderabad on January 9 to continue his recovery. The BCCI indicated that he will resume physical training and gradually return to skill-based activities once his symptoms have fully resolved and wound healing is satisfactory. His availability for the remaining two T20Is against New Zealand will be assessed based on his progress during the return-to-training and skill phases. The T20I series against New Zealand begins on January 21, 2026. The injury is a significant concern for India's preparations for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which is scheduled to commence in February 2026. Varma has been a key player in India's T20I setup, notably playing a crucial role in their Asia Cup 2025 victory. The recovery timeline of 2-4 weeks for testicular torsion surgery raises concerns about his participation in the T20 World Cup. However, Varma himself has posted on social media, reassuring fans that he is on the road to recovery and expects to be back on the field sooner than anticipated. He was representing Hyderabad in the Vijay Hazare Trophy when he experienced acute abdominal pain, leading to the immediate medical intervention.