In encouraging news for Indian cricket fans, star batter Tilak Varma shared pictures and videos on social media on Thursday, highlighting his rehab process as he prepares to rejoin Team India ahead of
the crucial T20 World Cup.
After an impressive home series against South Africa last year, where he topped the run-charts with 187 runs including two fifties, the 23-year-old participated in a few Vijay Hazare Trophy matches, scoring 109 and 34, in preparation for the New Zealand T20Is. Unfortunately, an abdominal issue that required surgery ruled him out of the first three T20Is of the series. Shreyas Iyer took his place in the squad, casting doubt on Tilak’s World Cup participation.
However, the left-hander, known for being a reliable number three batter with diverse playing gears, is determined to return to the field. Sharing his progress on Instagram, he wrote, “Leaving no stone unturned, comeback ‘soon’.”
Watch:
Tilak For India
Tilak’s presence will be vital for India at the top of the order in the T20 World Cup. He has scored 1,183 runs in 40 matches and 37 innings at an average of 49.29, with a strike rate of 144.09, including two centuries and six fifties. As a number three batter, he offers a game reminiscent of Virat Kohli, with the ability to switch between stabilisation and acceleration quickly. In 15 innings at number three, he has scored 542 runs at an average of 60.22 and a strike rate of over 160, including two centuries and three fifties, with a highest score of 120*.
While he scored two consecutive centuries in South Africa at the end of 2024, his unbeaten 69 against Pakistan in the Asia Cup remains a standout performance, aiding his team in a tense chase of 147 runs. Batting at number four, he is equally adept, having scored 490 runs in 14 innings at an average of 54.44, with a strike rate of over 128 and two fifties.
(With inputs from Agencies)
