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Tilak Varma (Source: AFP)
In the final of the Asia Cup 2025, young Indian batter Tilak Varma delivered the most defining knock of his career so far, an unbeaten 69 off 53 balls. Chasing a modest target of 147, India’s innings got off to a shaky start after Faheem Ashraf’s fiery opening spell reduced the side to 20/3.
In walked Tilak Varma, under mounting pressure, and what followed was a clinical performance marked by calculated strokeplay, a calm temperament, and a mature game sense. Varma rebuilt the innings and developed vital partnerships with Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube.
Tilak's innings featured three elegant boundaries and four towering sixes, but more importantly, it was his rotation of strike in crunch moments that stood out. For his remarkable performance, Tilak was also given the Player of the Match and Super Sixer of the Match.
In the Asia Cup 2025, Tilak Varma made 213 runs in 7 matches at an average of 71.00 and a strike rate of 131.48. The 22-year-old cricketer has made 32 T20Is and made 962 runs at an average of 53.44 and a strike-rate of 149.14.
Tilak Varma leaps past Virat Kohli
Taking a look at the stats, Tilak Varma has an impressive record in T20I run-chases. In 11 innings, he has made 370 runs at an average of 92.50 and a strike rate of 134.54. During the course of the final, Tilak Varma achieved a significant landmark. With his performance, he surpassed Virat Kohli's average after 30 T20I innings.
Highest T20I Average for India after 30 innings
- 53.4: Tilak Varma (149)
- 50.7: Virat Kohli (136)
- 43.1: Manish Pandey (126)
- 41.9: KL Rahul (145)
- 39.0: Suryakumar (173)
Once viewed as a promising IPL talent, Tilak has evolved into a reliable middle-order batter for India over time. He has showcased the ability to build innings under pressure and finish games for India, as well as in the IPL.
