Tilak Varma is a rising star in Indian cricket, born on November 8, 2002, in Hyderabad, Telangana. As of now, in late September 2025, he is 22 years old and has already made significant strides in domestic and international cricket. He is best known as a left-handed batsman who plays in the middle order and also bowls part-time off-spin. His journey from a humble background to becoming a prominent cricketer is inspiring for many young players who dream big despite challenges.
Early Life
Tilak Varma was born into a modest family. His father, Namboori Nagaraju, worked as an electrician, and his mother, Gayatri Devi, is a homemaker. He has an elder brother named Tarun Varma. Growing up in Hyderabad, Tilak developed a keen interest in sports from a very young age, especially cricket. When he was 10 years old, he joined the Legala Sports Academy in Telangana to receive formal cricket training. His coach, Salam Bayash, played a crucial role in nurturing his talent. When Tilak’s family faced financial difficulties, his coach supported him by covering the costs of training, equipment, and travel. This kindness helped Tilak stay focused on cricket without giving up.
Tilak completed his school education at Crescent Model English School and Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s Public School in Hyderabad. Later, he attended Lepakshi Junior College for further studies. Despite the challenges of balancing education and sports, Tilak remained committed to his cricket career.
Tilak Varma Age, Wikipedia, Biography, Net Worth, Wife, Children, Parents
Career
Tilak Varma's professional cricket career began at a young age. He made his first-class debut for Hyderabad in the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy on December 30, 2018. This was a significant milestone, marking his entry into professional cricket. Soon after, he played his first Twenty20 match in the 2018-19 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in February 2019. Later that year, in September 2019, he made his List A debut in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, another key domestic tournament.
In December 2019, Tilak was selected to play for India in the Under-19 Cricket World Cup held in 2020. Although his performance in the tournament was moderate, being part of the national youth team gave him immense experience and exposure. This participation was an important step in his cricket journey as it helped him learn and grow alongside other talented young cricketers from India.
Domestic Cricket
Tilak showed great promise in domestic cricket over the next few years. He played for Hyderabad and became known for his aggressive batting style and quick scoring ability. In the 2021-22 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he was one of the top performers for his team, scoring 215 runs in seven innings with a high strike rate of about 147. This performance caught the attention of cricket selectors and fans alike.
Tilak’s consistency in the domestic circuit, with five centuries and an average close to fifty in List A cricket, further established his reputation. He impressed with his ability to play in all formats, showing versatility and maturity beyond his years.
Indian Premier League (IPL
The Indian Premier League (IPL) became a turning point for Tilak Varma. In the 2022 IPL auction, Mumbai Indians bought him for ₹1.7 crore. In his debut season, Tilak scored 397 runs in 14 matches with an average of 36.09 and a strike rate of 131.02, showing great talent and control under pressure. In the 2023 season, his performance improved even more, scoring 343 runs at an impressive average of 42.87 and a strike rate crossing 160.
One memorable innings was his 61 runs off 33 balls against Rajasthan Royals. Also, his 84 runs in just 46 balls against Royal Challengers Bangalore were highly praised. These performances made him one of the key players for Mumbai Indians and brought him into the national spotlight.
International Career
Tilak Varma made his international debut for India on August 3, 2023, in a T20 International match against the West Indies. He quickly adapted to the international level, finishing as India's highest run-scorer in that series. Though he faced some ups and downs after his initial success, he continued to grow and performed well in subsequent IPL seasons and domestic tournaments.
In 2025, Tilak was named captain for the South Zone team in the Duleep Trophy and led the team with confidence. He also scored crucial runs in tournaments like the Emerging Asia Cup and performed exceptionally in T20 series held in South Africa, including back-to-back centuries in a successful series win for India.
Personal Life
Tilak Varma is known not just for his cricket talent but also for his humility and dedication. He follows a simple lifestyle and remains grounded despite his growing fame. He spends time with his family and enjoys watching motivational videos and listening to Telugu and Hindi music. He is unmarried and fully focused on his cricket career as of 2025.
Coach Salam Bayash’s support and faith in him during his early years had a lasting impact on Tilak. He often speaks about the hard work and sacrifices of his parents, especially his father, and his coach’s role in his success. Tilak also participates in mentoring young cricketers and charity activities, showing his desire to give back to the community.
Future Outlook
At just 22, Tilak Varma is viewed as a big hope for Indian cricket, especially in white-ball formats like T20 and One-Day Internationals. His aggressive batting, combined with good technique and calm temperament, makes him a valuable player for the future. Cricket experts believe he will become a regular feature in India’s team and a leading player in years to come.
In conclusion, Tilak Varma’s story is a true example of talent, perseverance, and humility. Rising from a modest background and overcoming financial struggles, he worked hard and made his place among India’s promising young cricketers. His journey encourages many young sports lovers, showing that with dedication and support, dreams can turn into reality.
