Overview
- Varma experienced severe abdominal pain in Rajkot during the Vijay Hazare Trophy, was hospitalized, and scan reports were sent to BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
- Doctors have advised surgery with an estimated three to four weeks of recovery, as reported by Indian board sources.
- He is expected to miss the five-match home T20I series against New Zealand starting January 21, with his status for the February 7 World Cup opener uncertain.
- Selection discussions reported in the Indian media suggest Shubman Gill is unlikely to be recalled, with Riyan Parag mentioned as a potential option if fit.
- Shreyas Iyer has been cleared match fit by the COE, and Hardik Pandya’s workload is being managed ahead of the tournament, with official updates on Varma’s replacement still pending.