With the 2026 T20 World Cup less than a month away, the injury to the ICC World No. 3 T20I batter has sent the team management into a scramble. While the surgery for testicular torsion was successful, the recovery period makes Tilak "touch and go" for India's World Cup opener against the USA on February 7.
Tilak has been the backbone of India’s middle order over the last 18 months. His stats in 2025 alone tell the story: 567 runs in 18 innings at a stellar average of 47.25. His ability to lead an innings while maintaining a strike rate of nearly 130 made him the perfect foil for aggressive openers.
If Tilak fails to recover in time, the defending champions must find a replacement who can replicate his left-handed advantage and middle-overs stability.
So, who are the ones who probably can?
Iyer is the front-runner for a recall. Having recently been named vice-captain for the upcoming ODI series, his transition back to the T20I side seems logical.
He had a blockbuster IPL 2025, smashing 604 runs at a strike rate of 175.07. He followed this with a sparkling 82 off 53 balls in the current domestic season.
Iyer is arguably the best player of spin in India. With the World Cup hosted on home soil, his ability to dominate the middle overs (7-15) aligns perfectly with the role Tilak played.
Rishabh Pant remains the ultimate "X-Factor." As a seasoned senior pro and a 2024 World Cup winner, his return to the T20I middle order would provide instant intimidation.
A career T20 strike rate of 147.61 and fresh off a dominant Test season in 2025, Pant is in peak physical and mental condition.
Pant provides the exact left-handed aggression Tilak offered. His presence at No. 4 or 5 allows India to maintain a left-right combination, and his experience in high-pressure ICC knockouts is an asset no young player can replicate.
If the selectors value consistency and technical brilliance, Sudharsan is the most deserving candidate.
He was the Orange Cap winner in IPL 2025, amassing 759 runs at a strike rate of 156.17. He also holds the record for being the fastest Indian to reach 2,000 T20 runs (54 innings).
Sudharsan offers the "anchor" role that allows players like Suryakumar Yadav to explode at the other end. While traditionally a top-order player, his improved strike rate makes him a viable option to stabilize the middle order if early wickets fall.
If the management wants to prioritize "intent" above all else, Jaiswal is the man.
Boasting a career T20I strike rate of 164.31, Jaiswal recently smashed a 48-ball century in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT).
Jaiswal is a boundary-hitting machine. Including him would likely see a reshuffle where he opens, and Sanju Samson moves to the middle order to fill the Tilak-sized gap.
Though dropped from the T20I side due to a lean 2025, Tilak’s injury offers the Test and ODI captain a "back door" entry to prove his T20 credentials.
While he averaged under 25 in 2025 T20Is, his class is permanent. He remains one of India's most technically gifted batters.
Selecting Gill provides stability. He can take the pressure off the younger middle-order players by batting through the innings. His inclusion would be the "least disruptive" in terms of leadership hierarchy.
At just 14 years old, Sooryavanshi is the "wildcard" choice that has the entire nation talking.
In 2025, he became the youngest centurion in IPL history (101 off 38 balls for RR). Most recently, he smashed an unbeaten 108 off 61 balls in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and has scored two centuries in the three match series against South Africa U19.
Sooryavanshi is the definition of "fearless." As a left-hander, he is a direct replacement for Tilak’s handedness. While his age is a talking point, his ability to clear the ropes at will, makes him a high-reward option.
