Tilak Varma continues to strengthen his reputation as one of India’s most promising batting talents, with former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin backing him for a place in the national Test team.
The 23-year-old left-handed batter recently played a match-winning innings against New Zealand in the second T20I at Christchurch. His unbeaten 51 off 26 balls helped India secure a four-wicket victory and take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
Azharuddin believes Varma has the temperament and batting ability to succeed across all three formats, echoing the confidence previously expressed by Rohit Sharma.
Tilak Varma Shines Under Pressure Against New Zealand
India faced a challenging chase of 181 runs against New Zealand after losing several early wickets. Varma entered the crease at 69-4 after 10.3 overs, and Axar Patel departed just two balls later.
With India needing 111 runs from 54 balls and five wickets remaining, Varma took control of the innings.
He built crucial partnerships with Naman Dhir, who scored 31 off 17 balls, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, who remained unbeaten on 26 off 13 deliveries.
Varma’s composed yet aggressive batting helped India complete the chase by four wickets, giving the visitors a commanding lead in the series.
Mohammad Azharuddin Backs Varma for Test Cricket
Azharuddin praised Varma’s recent performances and expressed hope that the young batter would receive an opportunity to represent India in Test cricket.
Speaking to ANI, the former India captain highlighted the importance of the longest format and said Varma deserved a chance to prove himself at that level.
Azharuddin also credited Varma’s contribution to India’s victory over New Zealand, noting his ability to perform under pressure in T20 cricket.
His comments have renewed discussion about whether Varma should receive an opportunity in India’s Test setup.
Rohit Sharma Had Predicted Varma’s Potential Early
Varma attracted attention even before turning 20, when Rohit Sharma identified him as a potential all-format player for India.
The Hyderabad batter has since impressed with his performances for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL), demonstrating his ability to combine attacking strokeplay with a calm approach under pressure.
He also played a decisive role in India’s Asia Cup final against Pakistan last year, scoring a match-winning half-century at Dubai International Stadium.
In T20 internationals, Varma has established himself as a valuable middle-order batter, with two centuries and 11 half-centuries among his runs. His ability to accelerate the scoring rate while maintaining composure has strengthened his position in India’s batting lineup.
Varma can also contribute with his off-spin bowling, adding further value to the team.
Strong First-Class Record Strengthens His Test Credentials
Although Varma has already represented India in T20Is and ODIs, he has yet to make his Test debut.
He has played five ODIs but was not included in India’s squad for the upcoming 50-over series against New Zealand. He is also absent from the squad selected for the two-match Test series against the Kiwis.
However, his first-class record makes a strong case for consideration.
Varma has scored 1,828 runs in 25 first-class matches for Hyderabad at an average of 57.12. His record includes five centuries and seven half-centuries, demonstrating his ability to produce consistent performances in the longer format.
Varma’s performances in limited-overs cricket and his impressive first-class statistics could make him a strong contender for future Test selection.
His composure in difficult situations, ability to build partnerships and experience against quality opposition offer encouraging signs for his prospects in the longest format.
With Azharuddin backing his inclusion and Rohit Sharma having recognised his potential early in his career, attention will remain on whether India’s selectors give Varma an opportunity in Test cricket.
For now, the young batter will look to continue delivering for India in the T20 format while strengthening his case for a place across all three formats.