Tilak Varma, an emerging talent in Indian cricket, is known for his dynamic left-handed batting and part-time off-spin bowling. He began his domestic career representing Hyderabad, making his first-class debut in the 2018–19 Ranji Trophy on December 30, 2018. Throughout the tournament, Varma scored a total of 215 runs in seven matches. He continued to impress with his Twenty20 debut for Hyderabad in the 2018–19 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy on February 28, 2019. By September 2019, he had made his List A debut in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring 180 runs and claiming 4 wickets in five matches.
IPL and Key Performances
In February 2022, Tilak Varma caught the attention of the Mumbai franchise in the Indian Premier League, purchased for INR 1.7 crore from a base price of INR 20 lakh. He quickly made a mark, scoring a quick-fire 61 off 33 balls against Rajasthan Royals. His performance soared in April 2023, with an impressive 84 off 46 balls against Bangalore and a swift 43 runs off just 14 balls in the playoff against Gujarat.
International Cricket Debut
Varma’s consistent performances earned him a call-up to the Indian national team for the T20I series against the West Indies in July 2023. He debuted on August 3, 2023, making an immediate impact by top-scoring for India with 39 runs off 22 balls. In the following match on August 6, he scored his maiden international fifty, becoming the second-youngest Indian to achieve this feat in Men’s T20I cricket.
Recent Appearances and Future Prospects
Beyond the West Indies series, Tilak Varma was named in the Indian squads for the T20I tour of Ireland and the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. He made his One Day International (ODI) debut on September 15, 2023, against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup, further showcasing his potential on the international stage.
FAQs about Tilak Varma
1. What are Tilak Varma’s primary roles in cricket?
Tilak Varma is primarily a left-handed batsman and a part-time off-spin bowler, known for his versatility and dynamic playing style.
2. How did Tilak Varma perform in the IPL 2022?
In the IPL 2022, Tilak Varma impressed with a standout innings of 61 off 33 balls against Rajasthan Royals, demonstrating his potential as a crucial player for Mumbai.
3. When did Tilak Varma make his international debut for India?
Tilak Varma made his international debut for India on August 3, 2023, in a T20I match against the West Indies, where he top-scored for the team.
4. What are Varma’s significant achievements in international cricket as of 2023?
As of 2023, Tilak Varma has achieved the distinction of being the second-youngest Indian to score a fifty in Men’s T20I, highlighting his emerging status in the national team.
5. Which tournaments and series are significant in Varma’s international career?
Tilak Varma has been significant in India’s squads for the West Indies series, T20I tour of Ireland, and the Asian Games in Hangzhou, marking a promising start to his international career.