Indian left-handed batter Tilak Varma made his T20I debut against the West Indies in 2023 at Tarouba, making an instant impression with his impactful performances. Initially considered part of the young brigade, Tilak has now cemented his place in India’s top order following the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from T20I cricket.
What sets Tilak apart is his exceptional ability to rotate the strike effortlessly while finding boundaries at crucial moments. Currently one of India’s most important players, he is widely expected to play a pivotal role in the team’s campaign for the T20 World Cup 2026.
5. 51 vs West Indies, Providence, 2023
Batting at No. 4, Tilak Varma delivered a brilliant half-century (51) against West Indies in Providence during 2023. India posted a competitive 152/7, with Tilak’s 51 off 41 balls, which included five fours and a six, anchoring the innings. Unfortunately, his efforts went in vain as India lost the match by two wickets with eight balls to spare.
4. 55 vs Bangladesh, Hangzhou, 2023
In Hangzhou during the 2023 Asian Games Men’s Cricket Competition, Tilak played an unbeaten knock of 55 against Bangladesh. Chasing a modest target of 97, India lost opener Yashasvi Jaiswal for a duck. Tilak then partnered with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad to stitch a 97-run unbeaten stand, sealing the victory. His innings, featuring two fours and six sixes, took India into the final.
3. 72 vs England, Chennai, 2025
Tilak’s calm and composed 72* against England in Chennai during the second T20I of the 2025 series remains one of his standout innings. Chasing 166, India faltered to 78/5, but Tilak held the fort, scoring 72 off 55 balls. Building partnerships with Arshdeep Singh and Ravi Bishnoi, Tilak steered India to a thrilling two-wicket win in the final over. His effort earned him the Player of the Match award.
2. 107 vs South Africa, Centurion, 2024
Tilak’s maiden T20I century came against South Africa in Centurion in 2024. His unbeaten 107, featuring eight fours and seven sixes, powered India to a mammoth total of 219. Supported by Abhishek Sharma’s quickfire 50 off 25 balls, India defended the target and won by 11 runs, with Tilak’s knock being the highlight of the match.
1. 120 vs South Africa, Johannesburg, 2024
Tilak’s finest T20I performance came in Johannesburg during the same series against South Africa. After scoring his maiden T20I ton in Centurion, he followed it up with another, smashing an unbeaten 120. His knock, laced with nine fours and 10 sixes, formed the backbone of India’s record-breaking 283/1, with a 210-run partnership alongside Sanju Samson (also a centurion). India secured a dominant 135-run win, and Tilak was named Player of the Match for his highest T20I score.