The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced that talented left-handed batter Tilak Varma will participate in one of India A's two T20 World Cup warm-up fixtures before joining the senior national squad for the prestigious tournament. This strategic move aims to provide Varma with valuable match practice as he returns from rehabilitation.
India A's Preparatory Schedule and Captaincy
India A is scheduled to play two preparatory matches against the United States and Namibia as part of their T20 World Cup warm-up campaign. The first match will take place in Navi Mumbai on Monday, followed by a second fixture in Bengaluru on Friday. These games are crucial for fine-tuning skills and building team cohesion ahead of the global event.
Batting all-rounder Ayush Badoni has been appointed as the captain of the India A side for these warm-up encounters. The squad features a mix of experienced international players and promising domestic talents, creating a balanced team environment.
Tilak Varma's Recovery and Selection Journey
The 23-year-old Tilak Varma has been undergoing an intensive rehabilitation program at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. This follows his recent lower abdominal surgery in Rajkot earlier this month. His inclusion in the warm-up matches comes after he successfully participated in a simulation match at the CoE last Friday, demonstrating his fitness progress.
Originally, Varma was expected to be part of India's squad for the final two T20 Internationals against New Zealand. However, the BCCI decided to hold him back to carefully manage his workload and ensure optimal recovery ahead of the T20 World Cup. This cautious approach reflects the board's commitment to player welfare and long-term performance planning.
India A Squad Composition and Key Players
The India A squad for the T20 World Cup warm-up matches boasts several capped internationals alongside emerging domestic stars. The complete roster includes:
- Ayush Badoni (Captain)
- Tilak Varma
- Riyan Parag
- Ravi Bishnoi
- Khaleel Ahmed
- Mayank Yadav
- Naman Dhir
- Ashutosh Sharma
- Priyansh Arya
- Gurjapneet Singh
- Vipraj Nigam
- Manav Suthar
- Ashok Sharma
- N Jagadeesan (Wicketkeeper)
- Urvil Patel (Wicketkeeper)
Notable Returns from Injury Layoffs
The warm-up games will mark significant comebacks for two key players. Fast bowler Mayank Yadav returns to competitive cricket after an extended absence due to a lower back stress fracture. Yadav missed Lucknow Super Giants' entire IPL 2025 campaign and underwent surgery in Christchurch, New Zealand last year. His pace and accuracy will be closely monitored during these matches.
Additionally, all-rounder Riyan Parag has been included in the squad following his recovery from a right shoulder injury at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. His batting prowess and bowling versatility add valuable dimensions to the India A lineup.
Strategic Importance of Warm-Up Matches
These preparatory fixtures serve multiple purposes for the Indian cricket ecosystem. They provide emerging players with exposure to international-standard competition, allow returning players to regain match fitness, and offer selectors additional data points for future team selections. The matches against USA and Namibia will test the squad's adaptability to different playing conditions and opposition strategies.
The BCCI's decision to include Tilak Varma in one of these games demonstrates a thoughtful approach to player integration. By giving him limited match practice with India A before joining the senior squad, the board ensures he enters the T20 World Cup environment with both confidence and controlled exposure.
As the cricketing world anticipates the T20 World Cup, these warm-up matches represent crucial stepping stones for India's backup players and returning stars. The performances in Navi Mumbai and Bengaluru could influence future national team selections and provide valuable insights into player form and fitness ahead of major tournaments.
