Tilak Varma
Namboori Thakur Tilak Varma (born 8 November 2002) is an Indian international cricketer who represents the Indian national team and plays domestically for Hyderabad. A stylish left-handed batter and part-time off-break bowler, Tilak is known for his temperament, versatility, and calmness under pressure. He became a household name after his remarkable performances for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and his match-winning innings in the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Family
Tilak Varma was born on November 8, 2002, in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, and raised in Hyderabad, Telangana. Coming from a humble Telugu-speaking family, his early years were marked by financial challenges and limited access to professional facilities. His father, Namboori Nagaraju, worked as an electrician, while his mother, Gayatri Devi, was a homemaker who played a pivotal role in supporting his dream. Despite the struggles, Tilak’s passion for cricket was evident from a very young age — he often played tennis ball cricket in local grounds, showing glimpses of natural timing and fearless strokeplay.
Tilak’s parents were aware that pursuing cricket would require sacrifices. His father often skipped meals to afford his son’s cricket gear, while his mother sold household jewelry to support his tournament expenses. These sacrifices built the emotional foundation that continues to drive Tilak’s humility and dedication even today.
Coaching and Early Training
Tilak’s cricketing journey took a significant turn when he was spotted by coach Salim Bayash, who saw him playing tennis ball matches in Hyderabad. Bayash was impressed with his natural ability and decided to mentor him personally. He enrolled Tilak at the Legala Cricket Academy, where he honed his technique and understanding of the game. At that time, Tilak had to travel over 40 kilometers every day to attend practice sessions, a journey that was fully sponsored by Bayash, who covered his coaching fees, travel, and gear costs.
Under Bayash’s guidance, Tilak learned to play both spin and pace with confidence. His strong bottom-hand play and balance against fast bowlers made him stand out in junior tournaments. He represented Hyderabad in age-group cricket, consistently scoring runs at the Under-14, Under-16, and Under-19 levels, eventually earning selection to the India Under-19 team.
Domestic Cricket Career
Tilak made his first-class debut for Hyderabad during the 2018–19 Ranji Trophy season at the age of just 16. He quickly adapted to the longer format, displaying patience beyond his years. In domestic T20 tournaments such as the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2021–22, Tilak became one of Hyderabad’s leading run-scorers with 215 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 147.26. His performances made IPL scouts take notice.
He was also a part of the India U-19 squad for the 2020 Under-19 World Cup in South Africa. Playing under the guidance of then-coach Paras Mhambrey, Tilak contributed crucial runs during India’s campaign to the final, finishing with 86 runs across three innings. His composure and maturity earned him respect in the dressing room and attention from cricket experts who saw in him the potential of a long-term India player.
IPL Journey with Mumbai Indians
The big break came in February 2022, when Mumbai Indians acquired Tilak Varma for INR 1.70 crore during the IPL mega auction. Despite being one of the youngest players in the team, Tilak displayed maturity well beyond his age. In his debut IPL season, he scored 397 runs at an average of 36.09 and a strike rate of 131.02, becoming MI’s second-highest run-getter that year. His consistent performances stood out even in a disappointing season for Mumbai Indians, who finished at the bottom of the table.
In IPL 2023, Tilak continued to impress with powerful knocks and improved consistency, amassing 343 runs in 11 matches at a strike rate of 164.11. His best year came in IPL 2024, where he scored 416 runs, including three half-centuries. By 2025, Tilak had become a cornerstone of the Mumbai Indians batting lineup, often compared to the likes of Suresh Raina for his aggressive yet composed approach.
International Career
Tilak’s IPL success led to his India T20I debut against West Indies in 2023, where he made an instant impact — his first two scoring shots in international cricket were consecutive sixes. Later that year, he earned his ODI cap for India. Despite facing injury setbacks in 2024, including two minor hand injuries, he made a strong comeback in 2025.
The defining moment of his young career came on September 28, 2025, during the Asia Cup Final against Pakistan. With India chasing 147, Tilak anchored the innings with a match-winning 69*(53), sealing victory with a towering six off Haris Rauf. This innings not only showcased his calmness under pressure but also marked his transformation from a domestic star to an international match-winner.
Records and Achievements
- Scored a match-winning unbeaten 69*(53) in the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan.
- Ranked among the Top 3 T20I batsmen in ICC Rankings (2025).
- Second-highest run-scorer for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2022.
- Part of India’s U-19 World Cup 2020 squad.
- Made his first-class debut for Hyderabad at the age of 16.
Personal Information
| Full Name | Namboori Thakur Tilak Varma |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 8, 2002 (22 years) |
| Birth Place | Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India |
| Nickname | Tilak |
| Role | Batsman |
| Batting Style | Left-Handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm Off-break |
Recent Performance
Batting
| Opponent | Score | Format | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 69(53) | T20 | 28 Sep 2025 |
| Sri Lanka | 49(34) | T20 | 26 Sep 2025 |
| Bangladesh | 5(7) | T20 | 24 Sep 2025 |
| Pakistan | 30(19) | T20 | 21 Sep 2025 |
| Oman | 29(18) | T20 | 19 Sep 2025 |
Bowling
| Opponent | Wickets | Format | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 0-9 | T20 | 28 Sep 2025 |
| Bangladesh | 1-1 | T20 | 24 Sep 2025 |
| Oman | 0-8 | T20 | 19 Sep 2025 |
| South Africa | 0-18 | ODI | 19 Dec 2023 |
| South Africa | 0-4 | T20 | 14 Dec 2023 |
Teams Represented
- India
- Hyderabad
- India A
- Mumbai Indians
- India Under-19s
- South Zone
- Hampshire (County Cricket)
TILAK VARMA stands as a shining example of determination, humility, and relentless pursuit of excellence. From the narrow lanes of Hyderabad to international stadiums, his journey symbolizes the power of dreams and perseverance. With his best years still ahead, Tilak Varma is not just a cricketer — he is the face of India’s next generation of cricketing brilliance.
