India's preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 have hit a snag with middle-order batter Tilak Varma undergoing surgery for testicular torsion. The injury has officially ruled him out of the first three T20 Internationals against New Zealand, and his participation in the global tournament, commencing on February 7, remains highly doubtful. In light of this development, former Indian cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra has strongly suggested Shreyas Iyer as the most suitable replacement for Varma. Chopra emphasized that the team requires a specialist middle-order batter and not another opener, thus ruling out players like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal for this particular slot. Shreyas Iyer's candidacy is bolstered by his recent return to full fitness, as confirmed by the BCCI's medical team. He has also demonstrated good form, notably scoring 82 runs off 53 balls in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Several cricket pundits and media outlets have echoed Chopra's sentiment, highlighting Iyer's experience and ability to stabilize the middle order as crucial assets. The uncertainty surrounding Varma's recovery timeline, estimated at three to four weeks post-surgery, has put the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in a position to consider immediate replacements, especially with the New Zealand series being the team's final international assignment before the World Cup. This discussion is highly relevant for Indian cricket fans as the team aims to finalize its squad for the marquee ICC event.