New Delhi: Tilak Varma has been ruled out of the first three T20I matches against New Zealand, it was confirmed on Thursday. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took to social media site X to make the announcement late on January 8.

Hi availability for the remaining two matches of the five-game series will be assessed on his progress during the course of the time and training and skill phases. Earlier in the day, it was reported that the Indian batter has undergone a successful surgery and will participate in the T20I series against the Kiwis and the subsequent T20 World Cup 2026.

But now with the BCCI’s announcement, it remains certain that the flamboyant batter will not take part in the opening three matches.

🚨 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