Tilak Varma: India's Versatile Swiss Army Knife T20 Batter

Photo: Instagram/@tilakvarma9

In 2021, during a T20I match in Ahmedabad, India’s No.3 batter Suryakumar Yadav hit Jofra Archer for a huge six over long leg. Archer, one of the fastest bowlers in the world, was left stunned. The shot was so impressive that it had everyone talking. Fast forward to 2025, the same thing happened again, but this time it was Tilak Varma, not Suryakumar Yadav, who made a statement on the field.

The setting was Chennai, and the challenge was tough. Archer, Wood, and the rest of the England bowlers were clocking speeds over 150 kph. Adil Rashid, England’s spinner, was turning the ball sharply, and wickets were falling quickly on the tricky Chepauk pitch. But in the middle of it all, Tilak stood tall. He made an unbeaten 72 runs off 55 balls, leading India to a thrilling win by four balls. His calm and controlled performance was impressive, and it didn’t go unnoticed. Suryakumar Yadav, India's regular No.3 in T20Is, was so impressed with Tilak’s performance that he showed his respect by bowing down to him. Tilak did the same for Suryakumar, and the two exchanged hugs as the crowd cheered them on.

At the start of the chase, things didn’t look great for India. Archer and Wood had already knocked out Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson with some fast deliveries that reached over 148 kph. There was tension in the air when Wood bowled a fast ball that almost caught Tilak on the hook, passing just above his head. But Tilak wasn’t shaken. He kept going, and his determination paid off. With the pitch slowing down, Tilak knew he had to make the most of the powerplay.

He quickly adapted to the situation. Tilak opened his stance, exposed his stumps, and cracked a stunning shot over point for four to start the fifth over. When Archer came at him again, Tilak picked up the ball and smashed it over long leg for a six. Archer tried to challenge him by aiming at his head, but Tilak responded with another six over the keeper’s head in a thrilling sequence. By the end of the over, Tilak had hit Archer for 30 runs off just 9 balls—no other batter has scored more runs against Archer in a T20I innings. Archer ended up with his worst T20I figures ever: 4-0-60-1.

After the match, Tilak explained his approach, saying that he always targets the best bowlers. He believes that taking on the toughest bowlers puts pressure on the others, making it easier for his teammates. He backed himself to take risks, knowing that his shots were well-practiced in the nets. His preparation paid off.

Tilak's aggressive approach was something that would have pleased England’s coach, Brendon McCullum. However, after India’s middle-order struggled, Tilak shifted gears. The spinners were starting to make an impact, and Tilak played smartly against Rashid, keeping calm and rotating the strike. He faced the first five balls of Rashid's last over before leaving it for Arshdeep Singh to finish. Although Arshdeep was dismissed, Tilak kept his cool and helped finish the job with Ravi Bishnoi.

In his post-match interview, Tilak spoke about his ability to play different types of innings. He said that he could play aggressively with a high strike rate or bat more patiently when needed. He mentioned his conversation with Gautam Gambhir, who advised him to be flexible depending on the situation. Tilak followed that advice, staying calm and focused until the end. He finished the game with a powerful shot through the covers off Jamie Overton's slower ball, sealing India’s victory.

Tilak’s performance showed his growth as a player. Coming off back-to-back T20I hundreds in South Africa, this inning in tough conditions proved that Tilak could adapt to any situation. His versatility, adaptability, and power with the bat made him a standout performer.

At just 22 years old, Tilak has already proven his worth at No.3 for India in T20Is. With scores of 72*, 120*, and 107* in his last three innings at that position, he’s becoming a key player for India. His ability to maintain a left-right combination at the crease, especially if Abhishek Sharma falls early, is an added advantage for the team. And if the team ever needs a backup for Washington Sundar, Tilak can also step in with his occasional off-spin.
Tilak Varma’s rise in T20 cricket is opening up exciting possibilities for India, and at such a young age, the future looks bright for him.

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