T20 World Cup IND vs US: Tilak Varma included in India A squad for warm-up match

Left-handed batter Tilak Varma has been named in the India A squad for one of the Men’s T20 World Cup warm-up matches before he links up with the senior Indian team for the main tournament. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the squad on Monday (2), outlining a structured preparation plan ahead of the T20 World Cup.

India A will play two warm-up fixtures as part of the T20 World Cup build-up. The team will face the United States in Navi Mumbai on Monday (2) before taking on Namibia in Bengaluru on Friday. These matches are designed to provide competitive exposure ahead of the T20 World Cup and help the team management assess player readiness under match conditions.

Tilak Varma, who is 23, is expected to feature in one of the two warm-up matches before joining the senior India squad for the T20 World Cup. His inclusion underlines the BCCI’s focus on managing workload and fitness while ensuring players are match-ready for the global tournament.

T20 World Cup warm-up matches focus on fitness and form

The India A squad for the T20 World Cup warm-up games has been selected with a clear purpose. The focus is on providing game time to players returning from injury as well as those who remain on the fringes of the national team setup. Batting all-rounder Ayush Badoni has been appointed captain for these fixtures, highlighting his growing role within India’s T20 structure.

Tilak Varma has been undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru after undergoing lower abdominal surgery in Rajkot earlier this month. He was considered for selection for the final two T20 Internationals against New Zealand but was not picked, as team management chose to prioritize his recovery and long-term availability for the T20 World Cup.

His return to competitive action follows his participation in a simulation match at the Centre of Excellence last Friday. That appearance was part of the assessment process to determine his readiness for high-intensity cricket ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Strong India A squad named ahead of T20 World Cup

The India A squad for the T20 World Cup warm-up games includes several players with international experience. Among them are Riyan Parag, Ravi Bishnoi, Khaleel Ahmed, and fast bowler Mayank Yadav. Their presence adds depth and balance to the squad as India fine-tunes its options before the T20 World Cup.

The lineup also features emerging talents such as Naman Dhir, Ashutosh Sharma, Priyansh Arya, Gurjapneet Singh, Vipraj Nigam, Manav Suthar, and Ashok Sharma. Wicketkeeping responsibilities will be shared by N Jagadeesan and Urvil Patel, both of whom have domestic and franchise-level experience.

The blend of experience and youth reflects the broader strategy for the T20 World Cup, where adaptability and squad depth are expected to play a major role.

T20 World Cup sees return of key injury recoveries

The warm-up matches will mark the return of Mayank Yadav to competitive cricket. The fast bowler had been sidelined after suffering a lower back stress fracture during the Lucknow Super Giants’ IPL 2025 campaign. He later underwent surgery in Christchurch, New Zealand, and has since completed his rehabilitation program.

Riyan Parag has also been included after recovering from a right shoulder injury. Like Tilak Varma, Parag completed his rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and is now back in contention as India shapes its plans for the T20 World Cup.

IANS had reported on January 31 that Ayush Badoni was set to lead the India A side, with Tilak Varma, Mayank Yadav, and Riyan Parag all expected to be part of the squad for the T20 World Cup warm-up matches.

Coaching setup finalized for T20 World Cup warm-ups

The BCCI has also finalized the support staff for the India A team during the T20 World Cup warm-up games. It is understood that M. Venkatramanna will serve as head coach for the fixtures. Vineet Saxena has been named batting coach, while Avinash Khandelwal will take charge as fielding coach.

This coaching structure is intended to maintain continuity with national standards while allowing players to prepare in a focused environment ahead of the T20 World Cup.

T20 World Cup build-up enters final phase

The warm-up fixtures against the United States and Namibia are expected to play an important role in finalizing India’s preparations for the T20 World Cup. With several players returning from injury and others pushing for selection, these matches provide valuable data points for selectors and team management.

As the T20 World Cup approaches, the emphasis remains on fitness, match sharpness, and role clarity. The inclusion of Tilak Varma in the India A squad signals confidence in his recovery and highlights the careful planning underway as India looks to be fully prepared for the demands of the T20 World Cup.