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Tilak Varma
Name
Tilak Varma
Nationality
indIndia
Position
Batting Allrounder
Birthday
November 08, 2002, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh
Current Team
MI

Tilak Varma: India’s Next Batting Star in the Making

Tilak Varma Early Life and Struggles

Tilak Varma’s journey to professional cricket is as inspiring as it is impressive. Growing up in a modest household, he lacked the financial resources for private coaching. However, his talent caught the eye of Salam Bayash, who stepped in as a mentor. Bayash not only covered Varma’s coaching fees and equipment expenses but also ensured his potential wasn’t lost due to economic hardship.

Domestic Breakthrough and U-19 World Cup

Tilak made his first-class debut for Hyderabad during the 2018–19 season. The following year, he represented India in the 2020 Under-19 World Cup in South Africa. Although he played just three innings, he contributed 86 runs in India’s campaign to the final. More importantly, his performances in domestic competitions began turning heads.

Rise Through Domestic Cricket

By the 2021–22 season, Varma had become one of Hyderabad’s top batters. He stood out in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, scoring 215 runs in seven matches at a remarkable strike rate of 147.26. Consequently, his name gained traction ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction.

IPL Career and Performance Highlights

In the IPL 2022 auction, Mumbai Indians acquired Tilak Varma for INR 1.70 crore. He immediately proved his value by becoming a mainstay in the playing XI. During his debut season, he played all 14 matches, scoring 397 runs at an average of 36.09 and a strike rate of 131.02.

The following season in 2023, Varma elevated his game further. In just 11 matches, he accumulated 343 runs at an impressive average of 42.87 and an explosive strike rate of 164.11. Though his strike rate dipped slightly in IPL 2024, he had his best season in terms of total runs, scoring 416 runs with three half-centuries at a strike rate of 149.64. As a result, Mumbai Indians retained him ahead of the 2025 season.

Tilak Varma International Debut and Challenges

Varma’s IPL exploits soon led to an India call-up. He made his T20I debut against West Indies at Tarouba in 2023 and announced himself in style—his first two scoring shots were sixes off his second and third deliveries. An ODI debut followed shortly after, reflecting the selectors’ growing trust in his ability.

Unfortunately, a couple of freak hand injuries in 2024 temporarily halted his international progress. Nevertheless, his return to form in the IPL proves he remains a strong contender for a permanent spot in India’s limited-overs squads.

Conclusion: A Future All-Format Star

Back in 2022, Rohit Sharma predicted that Tilak Varma would soon become an all-format player for India. Based on his technique, temperament, and fearless shot-making, that prediction still holds strong. As he matures and recovers fully,