The BCCI on Thursday (January 8) issued a media release, confirming that Tilak Varma has been ruled out of first three matches of the upcoming five-T20I series against New Zealand.

The southpaw, who was in Rajkot to represent Hyderabad in the Vijay Hazare Trophy fixture against Bengal, had to undergo surgery for an abdominal issue on Wednesday (January 7). His availability for the remaining two T20Is against the Kiwis will depend on his recovery.

With Tilak set to miss the first three T20Is, former cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra has suggested Shreyas Iyer’s name as potential replacement.

“Who can it be? Shreyas Iyer. ‘Sarpanch’ sahab should be picked automatically. He is already playing well and scored in the Vijay Hazare Trophy too. Even when Iyer was not picked in the Asia Cup, it felt slightly unfair, but it was understandable. But there is an opportunity for a middle-order role here. He is also an experienced player and set the IPL on fire. He fits the bill, and Shreyas Iyer gets my vote,” Chopra said in a video shared on his X account.

Chopra also threw Riyan Parag’s name in the discussions, highlighting his all-round skills. “Riyan Parag could also be one candidate and he was part of the T20I side before. He can also bowl and if India is looking for an all-rounder or multi-skilled player, Riyan Parag could be that guy. But my vote is for Shreyas Iyer. I would place Parag at No.2. Jitesh Sharma might have an outside chance. But again, India does not need an opener, so no Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, India need a middle-order batter and Jitesh was part of the side recently. But India also don’t need three keepers in the squad. So, I would suggest to not look too far and pick Iyer.”

Meanwhile, Tilak Varma on Thursday took to Instagram to share a positive update on his recovery, dismissing rumours that he faces race against time to be fit for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, starting February 7.

"Thank you for all the overwhelming love! Already on the road to recovery and I'll be back on the field sooner than you know it," he wrote.

Tilak, 23, has established himself as a key batter in India’s T20I setup. He played an instrumental role in the team’s Asia Cup triumph last September, with a match-winning knock of 69* (53 balls) in the title clash against Pakistan.