As Team India prepares for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, the focus has shifted toward building a new core following the retirement of senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from the shortest format. With Suryakumar Yadav appointed as captain, the team management and cricket experts are closely observing which players can step up as reliable match-winners. Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has identified Tilak Varma as one such player who could play a pivotal role in India’s campaign.
Speaking about the transition phase, Pathan highlighted Tilak Varma’s ability to handle pressure situations and deliver consistent performances. He compared Tilak’s potential role in the middle order to the one Virat Kohli played for India for over a decade. According to Pathan, Kohli’s strength in T20 cricket was his ability to stabilize the innings, rotate the strike, and accelerate when required. He believes Tilak has shown similar qualities at a young age.
Tilak Varma has impressed selectors with his performances in domestic cricket, the Indian Premier League, and his limited opportunities at the international level. Known for his solid technique and composed mindset, the left-handed batter has demonstrated maturity beyond his years. Pathan noted that such traits are essential in high-pressure tournaments like the T20 World Cup, where teams often rely on players who can anchor the innings while allowing others to play freely around them.
India’s 2026 T20 World Cup campaign will be crucial as the team looks to defend the title won in 2024. With several senior players no longer part of the setup, the responsibility on younger cricketers has increased significantly. Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership will also be under the spotlight, as he leads a side undergoing a generational shift.
Pathan added that while explosive hitters play an important role in modern T20 cricket, teams also need batters who can read the game situation and adjust accordingly. Tilak’s approach, he said, brings balance to the lineup and reduces pressure on power hitters. This quality could make him indispensable during crunch matches.
The Indian team management has emphasized the importance of building a stable core well ahead of the tournament. Players like Tilak Varma are expected to be given consistent opportunities to gain experience at the highest level. Performances over the next year will be critical in shaping India’s final squad for the World Cup.
As preparations continue, Pathan’s endorsement reflects growing confidence in Tilak Varma’s abilities. Whether he can live up to comparisons with legends like Kohli remains to be seen, but expectations around the young batter are clearly rising.
