Tilak Varma will miss the entire T20 series against New Zealand after undergoing successful testicular torsion surgery following an injury in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Although earlier reports suggested he would miss only the first three matches, his return has now been delayed as a precaution.

As a result, Shreyas Iyer—who was named as Tilak’s replacement—will remain with the squad for the final two T20Is. There is no question of Iyer being dropped from the team at this stage.

According to BCCI officials quoted by the Times of India, Tilak has recovered well and is no longer in pain. However, the Centre of Excellence and selectors want him fully match-ready before clearing him to play, especially with the T20 World Cup approaching.

Initially, Tilak was expected to return for the fourth or fifth T20I, but the management now prefers that he directly feature in a practice match in Mumbai ahead of the World Cup rather than rushing him back.

Officials also noted that Tilak had been playing competitive cricket before the injury, so match fitness is not a concern—the delay is purely a risk-management decision.