Defending champions India could face either India-A or South Africa in their only T20 World Cup warm-up tie ahead of the main event, which starts on February 7. There are no official practice game lined up for India so they will be free post the end of the New Zealand T20I series. As per reports, the BCCI is working on arranging one warm up game potentially on February 4. The latest report suggests that India could play South Africa or against India-A in the warm up match. Currently Tilak Varma and Washington Sundar are the two players who are out of action for India due to injuries. Both of them have been named in the World Cup squad for India. As per Times of India, BCCI are looking at possible backup options with Washington Sundar and Tilak Varma still recovering from their respective injuries.

After the New Zealand series, Indian team will assemble in Mumbai on Feb 2. The warmup match is likely to happen at the Brabourne Stadium if the plan materialises. A report in Times of India states that the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru has been conveyed to prepare Riyan Parag who is recovering from a shoulder injury for the warmup match as a potential replacement option if needed. Riyan Parag is said to have recovered well and as per sources he has started practicing batting and bowling in the nets.

Riyan Parag is a middle order batter and can bowl off-spin. If either Washington Sundar or Tilak Varma is ruled out, Parag becomes an automatic like for like replacement if he can prove his fitness. Parag has also been sharing his batting and bowling videos on Instagram in the recent days indicating that he has recovered well but he is still waiting for clearance from the COE with his fitness test set to be held soon.

As per reports, Parag could also take part in a few of the simulation matches to prove his fitness. Currently the injury to Washington Sundar has been taking time and he could be out of action for a few more weeks until he recovers so this provides a good opportunity for Parag. Teams can make changes to the squad till January 31.