Why Tilak Varma Is Linked To Idol Suresh Raina?

image-llarvr93Tilak top-scored for India in the recently concluded West Indies series (Twitter)

A striking revelation has recently come to light, shedding light on the resemblance between two prominent figures in Indian cricket - the stalwart Suresh Raina and the emerging young talent Tilak Varma.

Both players, renowned for their graceful batting and versatile off-spin bowling, share a fascinating array of commonalities that extend far beyond the realm of the cricket field.


Here are some drawing comparisons between Raina & Varma: 

Southpaw Duo

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One of the most intriguing parallels lies in their dominant hand - both Raina and Tilak exhibit the rare combination of being left-handed batters and right-arm off-break bowlers, showcasing their remarkable versatility on the pitch.


Birth Month Bond

The connection between the two deepens with a curious synchronicity in their birth month - both Raina and Tilak were born in November. Raina's birthdate is November 27, 1986, while Tilak was born on November 8, 2002, a unique coincidence that sets the stage for their shared attributes.


T20I Debut Catches 

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Another remarkable similarity emerges from their initial forays into T20 International cricket. On their debut in this format, both Raina and Tilak achieved the remarkable feat of taking two catches, marking a promising start to their international careers.


Maiden Fifty in Losing Cause

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Their maiden fifties in T20I cricket were also strikingly similar, marked by an unfortunate outcome as both players found themselves on the losing side despite their impressive batting performances.


First Over, First Wicket

Both Raina and Varma showcased their bowling prowess by claiming their first international wickets in the opening over of their respective careers, emphasizing their immediate impact on the game.


Unbeaten at 49 in T20I chases

The uncanny resemblance culminates in their shared experience of remaining unbeaten at the score of 49* during T20 International chases, a testament to their ability to anchor innings even in challenging circumstances. Most recently, in a match against the Caribbeans, Tilak remained unbeaten at 49 as India secured victory by 7 wickets. Similarly, in a 2016 series decider against Australia, Raina's score of 49 (25) played a pivotal role in India's triumph.


IPL Milestones:

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Maiden IPL Fifty in Second Game

Their journeys in the Indian Premier League (IPL) followed a parallel trajectory, with both Raina and Tilak achieving their maiden IPL half-centuries in their second matches, showcasing their early dominance in the high-energy league.


Amassing 350+ runs in first Two IPL Seasons 

A noteworthy milestone in their IPL careers was their exceptional performance in the first two seasons, accumulating over 350 runs each, underscoring their impact as consistent run-scorers.

It's intriguing to note that Tilak's deep admiration for Raina has been widely acknowledged, with both his childhood coach and himself revealing how Raina served as an idol from a tender age.