Tilak Varma set for India A call-up as Jasprit Bumrah departs for New Zealand

India middle-order batter Tilak Varma is poised to receive a call-up to the India A squad for the upcoming third unofficial Test against New Zealand A. The move is designed to provide the left-hander with valuable red-ball experience, with the current schedule allowing him to participate in the four-day fixture before he links up with the ODI squad for the final two matches in Tauranga.

Varma, who is currently omitted from the squad for the first three ODIs, faces a gap in his competitive schedule between November 2 and the fourth ODI on November 13. To bridge this period, selectors are looking to integrate him into the India A setup in Christchurch. The third unofficial Test is scheduled to commence on November 7 at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln.

A source familiar with the situation confirmed that the visit to the CoE was strictly for assessment purposes rather than to increase his bowling workload. According to the source, the bowler has successfully completed all necessary requirements and is cleared for travel. While initial plans suggested that wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant would accompany Bumrah, those arrangements have changed due to a delay in Pant’s Return to Play process.

Pant remains at the CoE under the supervision of the BCCI medical team as he continues his rehabilitation. His availability for the third unofficial Test remains uncertain, with his status described as touch-and-go as he works toward full fitness.