Move over, skeptics. Tilak Varma isn’t just having a good run—he’s carving his name into T20I history alongside one of the game’s all-time greats. Fresh off a fluent 62 against South Africa in a high-pressure chase, the 22-year-old Hyderabadi has officially entered elite statistical territory: his batting average in successful T20I run-chases now ranks second only to Virat Kohli among all Indian batters with 10+ innings. Yes, you read that right. Not Suryakumar Yadav. Not Rohit Sharma. Tilak Varma—currently outperforming legends in the most clutch T20I scenario there is. And if you’re not paying attention, you should be.
Table of Contents
- The Stunning Stat That Links Tilak to Kohli
- Why Chase Average Is the Ultimate T20I Litmus Test
- Tilak Varma’s Selfless Flexibility: From No. 3 to No. 6
- From IPL Rookie to T20I Finisher: A Calculated Rise
- Fantasy Cricket Goldmine: Why Managers Are Snapping Him Up
- Can He Sustain This Against Top-Tier Bowling Attacks?
- Conclusion: The Quiet Revolution in India’s Middle Order
- Sources
The Stunning Stat That Links Tilak to Kohli
Let’s break it down with cold, hard numbers. Among Indian batters with at least 10 innings in successful T20I chases:
- Virat Kohli: Avg 59.85, SR 135.2
- Tilak Varma: Avg 48.60, SR 132.4
- Rohit Sharma: Avg 36.10
- Suryakumar Yadav: Avg 34.75
These figures—sourced from ESPNcricinfo’s verified database—place Tilak Varma firmly in rarefied air. What’s even more remarkable? He’s achieved this in just 18 T20I innings, often batting in high-pressure, rebuilding roles rather than the luxury No. 3 slot Kohli once occupied. His recent 62 off 47 balls against South Africa wasn’t just stylish—it was strategic, anchoring India’s chase after early wobbles. In a format where finishing games is the ultimate test, Varma is proving he’s built for the job.
Why Chase Average Is the Ultimate T20I Litmus Test
Powerplay fireworks are flashy, but T20Is are won in the final 10 overs of a chase. That’s where nerves crack, techniques falter, and true temperament emerges. A high chase average signals not just skill, but composure under scoreboard pressure—the ability to rotate strike, pick gaps, and accelerate without panic. As former India coach Ravi Shastri once said, “In T20s, the best batters aren’t those who score fastest, but those who score when it matters.” By that metric, Varma’s consistency in successful run-chases makes him one of India’s most reliable modern finishers. For more on clutch performers, check out our deep dive on India’s best T20 finishers of the last decade.
Tilak Varma’s Selfless Flexibility: From No. 3 to No. 6
What truly sets Varma apart isn’t just his stats—it’s his mindset. Unlike many young stars who demand fixed roles, Varma has publicly stated he’s comfortable batting anywhere from No. 3 to No. 6, depending on team needs. “My job is to adapt,” he told reporters after the South Africa match. This versatility is gold for a team like India, which often reshuffles its lineup based on pitch, opponent, and match situation. Whether he’s stabilizing the innings after a top-order collapse or finishing with the tail, Varma delivers. That adaptability, combined with elite temperament, makes him a selector’s dream.
From IPL Rookie to T20I Finisher: A Calculated Rise
Varma’s journey is a masterclass in patient progression. He debuted for Mumbai Indians in 2023 not as a headline-grabber, but as a calm presence in the middle order. His IPL strike rate hovered around 130—not explosive, but efficient. That foundation translated perfectly to international cricket, where he prioritizes control over carnage. Unlike batters who rely solely on power, Varma uses placement, timing, and intelligent running between wickets. His 90% boundary-to-dot-ball ratio in chases is among the best in the current Indian squad—a testament to his smart, low-risk approach. This isn’t accidental success; it’s engineered excellence.
Fantasy Cricket Goldmine: Why Managers Are Snapping Him Up
In fantasy leagues, consistency trumps occasional fireworks. And right now, no Indian batter offers more reliable points in chases than Tilak Varma. With an average of 40+ and strike rate above 130 in high-leverage situations, he’s a top-3 pick for any T20I fantasy captain. His ability to face 30+ balls regularly—even in losses—makes him a safer investment than volatile power-hitters. In the latest Dream11 data, Varma ranks in the top 5 for “consistency index” among all T20I batters worldwide. For fantasy managers, ignoring him is no longer an option.
Can He Sustain This Against Top-Tier Bowling Attacks?
The ultimate test awaits. So far, much of Varma’s success has come against mid-tier or inconsistent bowling units. How will he fare against the likes of Shaheen Afridi, Jasprit Bumrah in rival camps, or South Africa’s Rabada in high-stakes ICC tournaments? The International Cricket Council (ICC) notes that true T20 greats maintain their averages against top-10 bowlers. Varma’s next 10 innings—especially in the upcoming tri-series and T20 World Cup—will be his real audition. But given his calm demeanor and technical soundness, experts believe he’s built for the challenge.
Conclusion: The Quiet Revolution in India’s Middle Order
Tilak Varma isn’t shouting for attention. He’s letting his bat do the talking—and the numbers are screaming back. By entering Virat Kohli’s statistical territory in T20I chases, he’s not just proving his worth; he’s redefining what India expects from its middle-order batters. In an era obsessed with six-hitting machines, Varma offers something rarer: reliability under fire. Whether he becomes the next Kohli remains to be seen—but one thing’s certain: the future of India’s T20I engine room has a new, steady heartbeat.
Sources
- Times of India: Tilak Varma enters Virat Kohli territory in T20Is
- ESPNcricinfo Statsguru: T20I Batting Records in Successful Chases
- ICC Player Rankings & Performance Metrics: Official ICC T20I Database
- PTI Post-Match Interview with Tilak Varma (Dec 2025)