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Tilak Varma
22 yrs
Batting Allrounder
08-Nov-2002
Left Handed Batsman
Left-arm Offbreak
India, Mumbai Indians, India A, India U-19s, Hyderabad
Tilak Varma, born on November 8, 2002, in Hyderabad, Telangana, is an emerging Indian cricketer known for his left-handed batting and part-time off-spin bowling. Hailing from a humble background with his father working as an electrician, Varma’s early passion for cricket was nurtured at the Legala Sports Academy under the guidance of his mentor, Salam Bayash. His cricketing journey began with domestic cricket for Hyderabad, where he made his first-class debut in the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy at just 16 years old, showcasing his talent by scoring 215 runs in seven matches.
Varma’s performances in domestic tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he scored 180 runs and 215 runs respectively, caught the eye of IPL franchises. In the 2022 IPL auction, he was picked up by the Mumbai Indians for INR 1.7 crore, marking the beginning of his IPL career where he made an immediate impact, scoring 397 runs in his debut season. His consistent performances in the IPL led to his international call-up, making his T20I debut for India against the West Indies in August 2023. Varma has since become known for his ability to score match-winning innings, highlighted by his impressive strike rate and significant contributions in both T20Is and ODIs. His journey from a local cricket academy to representing India internationally is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and cricketing prowess.
Early Life and Domestic Cricket:
Born: November 8, 2002, in Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
Early Training: Began his cricket journey at the Legala Sports Academy under coach Salam Bayash.
Domestic Debut: Made his first-class debut for Hyderabad in the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy at the age of 16. In his debut season, he scored 215 runs in seven matches with a highest score of 72.
List A and T20 Cricket: Showcased his potential in the 2018-19 Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring 180 runs in six matches at an average of 36.00. His T20 career took off in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy where he scored 215 runs in 10 matches.
Indian Premier League (IPL):
IPL Debut: Got his big break when he was picked by Mumbai Indians in the 2022 IPL auction for INR 1.7 crore.
2022 Season: Made an immediate impact, scoring 397 runs in 14 matches at an average of 36.09 and a strike rate of 131.02. His performance included a crucial 61 not out against Rajasthan Royals, which helped him gain recognition.
Subsequent IPL Seasons: Continued to be a vital part of the Mumbai Indians squad, known for his ability to stabilize and accelerate innings. His performances in IPL have been characterized by his adeptness at playing both pace and spin, and his versatility in batting positions.
International Cricket:
T20I Debut: Made his international debut for India in T20Is against West Indies in August 2023. He scored 39 off 22 balls in his debut match, signaling his arrival on the international stage.
Performances: In his initial appearances, Varma demonstrated maturity beyond his years, contributing significantly with the bat, including a match-winning knock of 51 against West Indies in the same series.
ODI Debut: Transitioned to ODIs in late 2023, where he also made an impression by scoring his maiden fifty in one of his early matches.
Playing Style and Attributes:
Batting: Known for his left-handed batting, Tilak Varma has a solid technique combined with the ability to play aggressive shots. His approach is often described as calm under pressure, with an ability to switch gears when needed.
Bowling: Although primarily a batsman, he offers part-time off-spin, adding a utility aspect to his game.
Fielding: Agile and effective in the field, contributing to his all-round utility in the team.
Future Prospects:
Tilak Varma is seen as one of the bright prospects for Indian cricket, particularly in the T20 format, with potential to become a mainstay in the middle order across all formats. His journey from local cricket in Hyderabad to representing India internationally highlights his talent, hard work, and the promise of further growth in his cricketing career.