T20 World Cup 2026: Tilak Varma returns to competitive cricket, has decent outing against USA

Tilak Varma was recently cleared by the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) to return to action and play the warm-up game against the USA ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. He had missed action for nearly a month following testicular surgery for an injury sustained during a Ranji Trophy clash in January.

On Monday, February 2, the southpaw was named in India A’s side to face the USA at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. Monank Patel won the toss for the visiting side and opted to field first. Priyansh Arya got off to a blistering start before being dismissed in the fourth over.

Tilak walked out to bat, joining Narayan Jagadeesan at the crease. The former managed to give himself some time in the middle as Jagadeesan took the attack to the USA bowlers. Tilak scored just 10 runs off his first eight balls. He cut loose in the ninth over, hitting Harmeet Singh for two 17 runs.

Tilak was eventually dismissed by Shubham Ranjane in the 14th over. The Hyderabad batter scored 38 off 24 balls, belting three fours and two sixes. He was caught by the wicketkeeper, finishing with a strike rate of 158.33.

This knock will give the 23-year-old a good deal of confidence as he prepares to join the Indian team ahead of their solitary warm-up match against South Africa.

Jagadeesan slams whirlwind ton in warm-up game

Jagadeesan impressed for India A at the top of the order. The Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper-batter slammed 104 off 55 balls, hitting 11 fours and four sixes. Ayush Badoni also played captain’s knock, as he amassed 60 off 26 balls with the help of six fours and four sixes.

The USA used nine bowling options, but no one managed to make a mark. India A finished on a whopping total of 238/3. There are quite a few bowlers who would like to showcase their potential in the second innings for India A. Tearaway speedster Mayank Yadav is going to be in the spotlight.