Punjab Newsline,Sports:
Tilak likely to play practice match against USA; Mayank Yadav and Riyan Parag also expected to be part of India A
India have received encouraging news ahead of the T20 World Cup, with positive signs emerging regarding the fitness of left-handed batter Tilak Varma. The 23-year-old is likely to feature for India A in the warm-up match against the United States of America (USA). Tilak is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru after recently undergoing lower abdominal surgery.
According to sources, Tilak played a simulation match at the CoE on Friday to assess his match fitness. Based on this assessment, he is expected to play for India A in the warm-up match against USA on February 2 at the DY Patil Stadium. If he completes the match without any discomfort, Tilak could join the senior Indian team ahead of their warm-up game against South Africa on February 4. Keeping the World Cup in mind, he was not included in the final two T20 Internationals against New Zealand.
Fast bowler Mayank Yadav’s return to competitive cricket also appears almost certain with his inclusion in the India A setup. After being sidelined for nearly a year due to a lower back stress fracture, Mayank is now fully fit. He has been bowling regularly at the CoE and also took part in the recent simulation match. Despite limited appearances in the IPL due to injury, Lucknow Super Giants retained him for the 2026 IPL season, reflecting confidence in his fitness and ability.
In addition, batting all-rounder Riyan Parag, who is recovering from a right shoulder injury, is also expected to be included in the India A squad. Meanwhile, Ayush Badoni and Priyansh Arya have already been released from Delhi’s Ranji Trophy squad to be available for India A’s warm-up matches. It is understood that Badoni could be named captain of the India A side, subject to final approval from the selectors.
India A will play another warm-up match against Namibia on February 6, while the Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian team will begin their title defence against USA in a Group A match at the Wankhede Stadium on February 7.