Team India suffered a big blow. (Photo- PTI)

IND vs NZ: A 3-match ODI series will be played between India and New Zealand from January 11. After this, both the teams will face each other in a 5-match T20 series. Before this series, Team India has suffered a big setback. A star player of the team has been out of the first 3 matches of the series. However, BCCI has not announced the replacement of this player. At the same time, this player may return in the last two matches, but the decision will be taken on the basis of injury.

Team India got a big shock

A bad news has come to light regarding the young batsman of the Indian team, Tilak Verma. After undergoing surgery for testicular torsion problem in Rajkot on January 7, he has been ruled out of the first three matches of the five-match home T20 series against New Zealand. BCCI issued a press release saying that Tilak's surgery was successful and he was discharged from the hospital on Thursday morning. He is stable and recovery is going well. He will fly to Hyderabad on Friday. According to doctors, they will start physical training only after the symptoms are completely cured and the wounds heal. After this we will gradually return to skill based practice.

🚨 NEWS 🚨

Tilak Varma ruled out of the first three T20Is against New Zealand.

His availability for the remaining two matches will be assessed based on his progress during the return-to-training and skill phases.

Details🔽 | #TeamIndia , #INDvNZ , @IDFCFIRSTBank

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 8, 2026

The team management has made it clear that Tilak will not be able to play the first three T20 International matches. His participation in the last two matches of the series will depend on his recovery. If he meets the set standards in training and skill sessions, only then will he be fielded. Let us tell you, this series is starting from 21st January in Nagpur. In the absence of Tilak, the team may have to consider other options for the middle order. Because for some time now, Tilak has been performing well while playing at number 3 and 4 in the T20 team.

India's squad for the first three T20 matches

Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Rinku Singh, Abhishek Sharma, Akshar Patel (vice-captain), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dubey, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakraborty, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana.