Monday, February, 17,2025

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Tilak Varma’s Meteoric Rise, Young Star Shaping India’s T20 Future

Opportunities in life are f l e e t i n g . Some grab them with both hands and make history, while others let them slip away, only to be left wondering about what could have been. Like life, Cricket offers such moments where talent meets opportunity. If seized at the right time, it can elevate a player to legendary status. This is precisely what Tilak Varma seems to be doing with his extraordinary performances, cementing himself as India’s next big thing in T20 cricket.

Southpaw Tilak has taken the cricketing world by storm, and his performances in the recent T20 series against England have only reaffirmed his potential. Scoring 109 runs in three matches, including an unbeaten 65*, he has risen to second place in the ICC T20I batting rankings. At just 21 years and 82 days, he stands on the brink of breaking Babar Azam’s record and becoming the youngest player to top the rankings.

Tilak Varma’s incredible consistency in T20Is is reflected in his latest achievement - his 832 rating points are the fourthhighest ever by an Indian batter in the format, behind only Suryakumar Yadav, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul. The 22-year-old had been in sublime touch, remaining unbeaten in four consecutive innings before England’s Adil Rashid finally managed to breach his defence with a brilliant delivery in the third T20I at Rajkot. Before that rare dismissal, Tilak had posted unbeaten scores of 107 and 120 against South Africa, followed by 19 and a match-winning 72 against England. This remarkable run has further cementing his reputation as India’s next big T20 star. Irrespective of his first-ball duck in the fourth game on Friday, Tilak is now a dominant force for Team India in the T20 format!

Born on November 8, 2002, in Hyderabad, Tilak Varma’s journey hasn’t been an easy one. Coming from a modest background, his father struggled to afford his cricketing expenses. However, his first coach recognized his potential early and took it upon himself to sponsor Varma’s training and equipment. The young prodigy travelled 40 kilometres daily displaying the dedication and hunger that would later define his game.

His breakthrough came when he represented India in the Under-19 World Cup in 2020. Although he didn’t have a standout tournament, the experience shaped him into a better cricketer. His real transformation came in domestic cricket, where his performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Ranji Trophy caught the attention of IPL scouts.

The Mumbai Indians recognized his potential and secured him for INR 1.70 crore in the IPL 2022 auction. In his debut season, he immediately made an impact, scoring a crucial 61 off 33 balls against Rajasthan Royals. Under the mentorship of Rohit Sharma and Kieron Pollard, he matured quickly and became a vital cog in Mumbai’s middle order.

Tilak’s exploits in the IPL paved the way for his India call-up. He made his T20I debut against the West Indies on August 3, 2023, and later, his ODI debut in the 2023 Asia Cup against Bangladesh. Since then, he has continued to impress, becoming one of India’s most consistent T20 batters. Tilak Varma’s performances in the past year have been nothing short of phenomenal. He has already notched up two centuries and three halfcenturies in just 23 T20 internationals, amassing 725 runs. His highest score of 120 came in a game where he single-handedly guided India to victory.

What sets Tilak apart is his adaptability and temperament. Whether anchoring the innings or accelerating in the death overs, he plays with remarkable maturity. His stroke play is elegant yet powerful, and he possesses an exceptional ability to find gaps and clear the ropes with ease. His recent T20 hundred against South Africa further highlighted his ability to take on quality bowling attacks.

As Varma continues to rise through the ranks, comparisons with stalwarts like Suresh Raina and Yuvraj Singh have become inevitable. However, he is carving his own niche with a unique blend of aggression, technique, and game awareness. His journey is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and the importance of grabbing opportunities when they come.

With the T20 World Cup next year on Indian soil, and a potential Test debut on the horizon, the future looks incredibly bright for this young sensation. If he continues on this trajectory, he could be India’s next allformat superstar. And just as Rohit Sharma once predicted, Tilak Varma might soon be a mainstay in all three formats of the game.

In cricket, as in life, talent alone isn’t enough - it’s about making the most of every chance that comes your way. Tilak Varma is proving that he belongs at the highest level, and if his recent feats are anything to go by, Indian cricket has found a gem that will shine for years!

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Siddhaarth Mahan, The writer is a specialist on Sports and Cinema who works as an actor in the Hindi film industry

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Daily Astro

17-02-2025

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Aries

Today brings opportunities for growth, but you'll need to stay focused. Trust your instincts to navigate challenges.

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Pisces

Your intuition will guide you. Trust your feelings and explore creative outlets for peace of mind.

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Aquarius

Innovation is your theme today. Explore unconventional ideas to solve lingering problems.

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Capricorn

Hard work pays off today. Your dedication and discipline will lead to well-deserved recognition.

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Sagittarius

Adventure is calling! Embrace new opportunities, but keep a balanced approach to risks.

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Scorpio

Your determination will be unmatched. Dive deep into tasks, but don't forget to take breaks to recharge.

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Libra

Harmony in relationships is your priority. Compromise and understanding will strengthen your bonds.

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Virgo

Focus on organization and details. A well-planned day will lead to productive results and personal satisfaction.

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Leo

Leadership will come naturally. Take charge of situations but remain humble for the best outcomes.

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Cancer

Emotional balance is key today. Spend quality time with loved ones to find comfort and clarity.

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Gemini

Today is perfect for networking and sharing ideas. Your adaptability will help you tackle unexpected changes with ease.

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Taurus

Patience will be your strength today. Financial matters might need attention, so think twice before making big decisions.

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17-02-2025