Tilak Varma, an emerging talent in Indian cricket, has achieved a historic milestone as the first player to score centuries in three consecutive innings in T20 cricket, a feat unprecedented for both male and female players. This remarkable accomplishment occurred during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25 opener when Varma delivered an explosive performance, amassing 151 runs off just 67 deliveries against Meghalaya in Rajkot.
At just 22 years of age, Varma entered this prestigious domestic T20 tournament in formidable form, following back-to-back centuries in South Africa. His innings included a commanding 107 not out in Centurion and another unbeaten 120 in Johannesburg, showcasing his ability to perform at the highest level of the game. With his recent innings for Hyderabad, Varma also etched his name in history as the first Indian male cricketer to record a score of 150 or more in a T20 match. While Kiran Navgire, representing Maharashtra, had previously set a record by scoring an unbeaten 162 for Nagaland against Arunachal Pradesh in the Senior Women's T20 Trophy in 2022, Varma's achievement highlights his burgeoning prowess in T20 cricket.
In the match against Meghalaya, Tilak Varma occupied the No. 3 position in the batting order, establishing himself as a key player and finishing the innings with an impressive strike rate of 225.37. He exhibited his aggressive style early on, entering in the first over and subsequently hitting 14 boundaries, including 10 sixes, before being dismissed on the final delivery. Varma’s attacking demeanor was particularly evident against medium pacer Dippu Sangma, from whom he scored a rapid 50 runs off just 18 balls, which included six fours and three sixes.
Tilak's outstanding knock contributed significantly to Hyderabad's innings, as he forged a remarkable partnership of 122 runs for the second wicket with his teammate in a mere 48 balls. This collaboration laid a strong foundation for Hyderabad’s total of 248 runs for the loss of 4 wickets, marking it as the team’s highest score recorded in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Furthermore, this total stands as the fifth-highest in the tournament's history, underscoring the intensity and competitiveness of the match.
As the Mumbai Indians prepare for the upcoming IPL 2025 auction, they have retained Tilak Varma as one of their five players, reflecting their confidence in his abilities. Varma has been a crucial part of the franchise for the past three seasons and continues to demonstrate potential that could redefine the dynamics of T20 cricket in India.
Tilak Varma’s rapid rise in T20 cricket is not only a testament to his talent but also an indication of a broader trend within Indian cricket, where new players are consistently emerging and making remarkable contributions. His achievements in both international and domestic formats lay a robust foundation for what the future holds, and cricket enthusiasts across the nation are keen to witness the next chapter of this promising cricketer's career. As Varma continues to hone his skills and gain experience on the field, he serves as an inspiration for many aspiring cricketers, demonstrating that dedication, skill, and an aggressive approach can lead to significant accomplishments in the world of sports.