Tilak Varma Excels: Surging Just Behind Virat Kohli in T20I Batting

Tilak Varma continues to make headlines in T20I cricket, placing himself just behind Virat Kohli in the list of players with the highest averages in T20I run chases among Test-playing nations. At only 23 years old, Varma has scored 518 runs in 15 innings with an impressive average of 64.75, including a highest score of 72 not out. This consistent performance highlights his rising importance in India’s white-ball team and shows that he is ready for bigger challenges internationally.

Tilak Varma’s Rising T20I Profile

Tilak Varma has become one of India’s most dependable and exciting batters in the T20 format. He ranks second, following Virat Kohli, for the highest batting average in run chases among players with at least 500 T20I runs. His skill at anchoring innings, rotating strikes, and speeding up the scoring when needed makes him a crucial part of India’s limited-overs plans. Analysts believe Varma’s growing maturity and ability to handle pressure situations could establish him as a key player for the team for years to come.

Comparison With Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli leads the T20I run-chase averages list with 2,013 runs in 48 innings, averaging 67.10 with a top score of 94 not out. Tilak Varma, with 518 runs in just 15 innings at an average of 64.75, shows his potential to match and eventually compete with the performances of top global players. Despite his youth, Varma displays a strong mix of technique, composure, and strategic thinking that analysts see as important for India’s future T20 plans.

Recent Performances Against South Africa

In the current five-match T20I series against South Africa, Tilak Varma has shown exceptional form. In the first two matches, he scored 26 and a 34-ball 62, proving he can accelerate innings while staying steady under pressure. Although India lost the second match by 51 runs, Varma’s innings reinforced his value in tough situations, boosting his reputation among IPL franchises and selectors searching for reliable middle-order players.

T20I Career Overview

Tilak Varma has already scored 1,084 runs in 38 T20Is at an average of 47.13, with a strike rate of 145.50, including two centuries and five fifties. His best performances often come when batting at number three, where he has scored 443 runs in 13 innings at an average of 55.37 and an approaching strike rate of 170. These numbers highlight his ability to provide both stability and explosive scoring, a combination that is very valuable in T20 cricket and for teams looking for talent in IPL 2026.

Batting Flexibility and Team Commitment

Varma’s ability to bat in different positions is a significant advantage for India’s T20 team. Batting at number four, he has scored 490 runs in 14 innings at an average of 54.44, including a match-winning 69* against Pakistan in the Asia Cup final. This performance shows his capacity to adjust to various match situations. His strike rate in this position is slightly lower at 128.60, indicating his focus on team needs rather than personal stats. Before the third T20I against South Africa, Varma confirmed he is ready to bat anywhere from three to six, putting team priorities ahead of his own preferences. This flexibility adds to his value as a reliable player.

IPL 2026 Implications

Tilak Varma’s consistent performance and ability to excel in high-pressure chases make him a top choice for IPL franchises looking for impactful middle-order batters. His aggressive but calculated approach, along with his strong international T20 record, increases his market value for the 2026 auction. Teams are likely to see him as a strategic addition who can stabilize innings or ramp up scoring as needed, making him one of the most desirable young prospects.

Future Prospects

Tilak Varma’s steady progress suggests he could become a cornerstone of India’s T20I team soon. His adaptability, combined with the ability to score quickly and stay calm under pressure, positions him as a player who can regularly influence match results. If he continues on this path, he has the potential to rival the best T20I batters in the world, following in the footsteps of Virat Kohli and becoming a central figure in India’s white-ball cricket strategy.

Conclusion: Tilak Varma On The Rise

Tilak Varma’s mix of consistency, power-hitting, and adaptability highlights his potential to be a key player for India in the coming years. With performances like his 62 against South Africa and a record second only to Kohli in elite T20I run-chase averages, Varma secures his place among the world’s top T20I batters. His growing profile makes him a player to watch for selectors, franchises, and fans as he continues to prove himself as an exciting and dependable talent in international T20 cricket.