Tilak Varma to play warm-ups before T20 World Cup: Suryakumar Yadav

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the T20 World Cup less than a week away, India have received a timely boost on the fitness front, with positive updates on all-rounder Washington Sundar and premier batter Tilak Varma.Sundar, 26, is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru after sustaining a side strain during the ODI series against New Zealand. India captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed that the all-rounder has resumed both batting and bowling. “Washington is doing well. I spoke to him yesterday. He has almost started bowling and batting,” Yadav said at the post-match press conference following India’s 46-run win over New Zealand in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday.Varma, 23, is also nearing a return to full fitness and is expected to link up with the Indian squad ahead of the T20 World Cup. “He has been shaping up well. I heard he will be playing two games in Mumbai ahead of the T20 World Cup. I spoke to him yesterday. He has started batting, bowling and fielding. Hope to have him soon,” the Indian captain added.The left-handed batter has been sidelined for nearly a month after undergoing testicular surgery following an injury sustained during a Ranji Trophy game.India are set to assemble in Mumbai, where they will play two warm-up games ahead of their World Cup opener against the USA on Feb 7.