Tilak Varma's World Cup Dream in Jeopardy After Surgery; Iyer, Gill Emerge as Replacements

• Tilak Varma reportedly underwent surgery for suspected appendicitis, jeopardizing his T20 World Cup 2026 participation.
• He fell ill with severe stomach pain before a Vijay Hazare Trophy match in Rajkot and requires 5 weeks for full recovery.
• His absence from the upcoming New Zealand T20 series is confirmed; World Cup chances depend on recovery.
• Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill are potential replacements, with Iyer having a stronger claim due to his middle-order role.
• Fans hope for Tilak Varma's swift recovery, as he is a crucial middle-order batsman and pressure performer.

Why It Matters: Tilak Varma's surgery puts T20 World Cup 2026 in doubt; Shreyas Iyer, Shubman Gill eyed as replacements.