Under the bright lights of the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Tilak Varma etched his name into Indian cricket folklore with a match-winning unbeaten
69 in the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan on Sunday (September 28).
Walking in at a precarious 10 for two with India reeling against a fiery Pakistani pace attack, the 23-year-old from Hyderabad displayed nerves of steel and maturity beyond his years.
The talented left-handed batter's composed innings steadied India's chase of 147 and culminated with a towering six off Haris Rauf in the final over, sealing a five-wicket win and India's record-extending ninth Asia Cup crown.
For Tilak, it wasn't just another knock - it was the moment his journey, shaped by grit, sacrifice, and relentless hard work, came full circle.
Humble Roots and Family Support
Born as Namboori Thakur Tilak Varma on November 8, 2002, in Hyderabad, Telangana, he grew up in a modest Telugu household. His father, Namboori Nagaraju, worked as an electrician, while his mother, Gayatri Devi, managed the home. Despite financial struggles, the family rallied behind Tilak's passion for cricket. His parents often went out of their way to support his budding career, even when resources were scarce.
Tilak's talent first caught the eye of coach Salim Bayash when he was just 11, playing tennis-ball cricket in the neighbourhood. Bayash not only honed his raw talent at the Legala Cricket Academy in Lingampally but also became a second father figure. In the early days, he personally ferried Tilak for practice until the family relocated closer to the academy. Bayash's unwavering faith and Tilak's relentless drive laid the foundation for a career that is now blossoming at the highest level.
Domestic Breakthrough
Tilak's rise through domestic cricket was meteoric. At just 16, he made his first-class debut for Hyderabad in the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy. Within months, he was representing the state across formats, making his T20 debut in the 2019 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and his List A debut in the 2019 Vijay Hazare Trophy. His performances earned him a place in India's squad for the 2020 Under-19 World Cup, where he gained invaluable experience.
By 2021, Tilak was among Hyderabad's most consistent performers in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and in 2025, he was named captain of the South Zone team for the Duleep Trophy, further underlining his leadership credentials.
IPL Stardom with Mumbai Indians
The turning point in Tilak's career came with the IPL 2022 auction, when Mumbai Indians secured his services for ₹1.7 crore. He repaid their faith almost instantly, amassing 397 runs in his debut season with a fearless brand of stroke play. A stylish 61 off 33 balls against Rajasthan Royals showcased his temperament for big games.
He followed up with even stronger campaigns, scoring consistently in 2023 and 2024, where he accumulated 416 runs in 13 matches at a strike rate of nearly 150. By late 2025, Tilak had played 54 IPL matches, scoring 1,499 runs at an average of 37.48 and a strike rate of 144.41, with eight fifties to his name.
His explosive batting reached new heights in November 2024, when he became the first cricketer to score three successive centuries in T20s, a feat that stamped his arrival as one of the most dynamic young batters in the world.
International Career and Top Performances
Tilak's international debut came in August 2023 against West Indies, where he top-scored for India with 39 on debut and later registered his maiden half-century, becoming the second-youngest Indian to reach that milestone in T20Is. By the end of the series, he was India's highest run-scorer.
His ODI debut followed in September 2023 during the Asia Cup, but it was in T20Is that Tilak truly flourished. In November 2024, he smashed an unbeaten 107 off 56 balls against South Africa, becoming the second-youngest Indian to score a T20I hundred. Astonishingly, he backed it up with a breathtaking 120 not out from just 47 balls in the very next match. By late 2025, Tilak had scored 962 runs in 32 T20Is at an average of 53.44 and a strike rate of 152.27, with two centuries and four fifties, earning him the No. 2 spot in the ICC T20I batting rankings during the Asia Cup 2025.
Asia Cup 2025: The Defining Knock
Nothing, however, compared to his innings in the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan. With India gasping at 20 for three, Tilak shouldered the responsibility, first steadying the innings with Sanju Samson, then counterattacking alongside Shivam Dube.
His ability to read the bowlers, rotate strike on a slow pitch, and launch into attack at the right time was a masterclass in match awareness. His unbeaten 69, capped by that six in the final over, will be remembered as a defining moment in India-Pakistan cricketing history.
From playing tennis-ball cricket in Hyderabad's bylanes to starring on one of cricket's grandest stages, Tilak Varma's journey is a tale of perseverance, sacrifice, and talent nurtured against the odds.
Backed by his family's unwavering support and molded by mentors like Salim Bayash, Tilak has blossomed into one of India's brightest cricketing stars. At just 23, his career has only begun, but with performances like the one in Dubai, Tilak Varma has already carved his place in the hearts of millions of Indian fans.
