When India faced their arch-rivals Pakistan in the thrilling final of the 17th Asia Cup on Sunday, September 28, 2025, the hopes of a nation rested squarely on the shoulders of one young man: Tilak Varma. As the Men in Blue stumbled early, losing three crucial wickets for just 20 runs, it was the 22-year-old prodigy who steadied the innings. His magnificent, unbeaten knock of 69 not only secured India’s third victory against Pakistan in the tournament but also clinched their ninth continental title. Back home in Hyderabad, the city erupted in joyous celebration for their local hero.
Tilak Varma, born on November 8, 2002, in Hyderabad, emerged from humble beginnings. His father, Namboori Nagaraju, an electrician, and his mother, Gayatri Devi, provided unwavering support for his cricketing dreams despite their limited resources.
A Star in the Making: First-Class Debut at 16
Varma’s extraordinary talent was recognized early. At just 11 years old, he caught the discerning eye of coach Salim Bayash, who mentored him at the Legala Cricket Academy in Lingampally. Such was his prowess that he made his first-class debut for Hyderabad in the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy at the tender age of 16. His progression was swift; he soon represented the State across all formats, making his T20 (2019 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy) and List A (2019 Vijay Hazare Trophy) debuts in 2019. His stellar performances even earned him a coveted spot in the Indian squad for the 2020 Under-19 World Cup.
A pivotal moment in his career arrived when the Mumbai Indians acquired him for an impressive ₹1.7 crore at the 2022 IPL auctions. In his very first IPL season, Varma showcased his immense potential, scoring 397 runs. He has consistently improved since, notably becoming the first cricketer to achieve three consecutive centuries in T20 matches.
Making His Mark: ODI Debut in 2023
Tilak’s impact on the international stage was equally swift and significant. He debuted for India in August 2023 against the West Indies, immediately making his presence felt by top-scoring with 39 runs in that match. By the series’ conclusion, he emerged as India’s highest run-scorer and became the second-youngest Indian to smash a half-century in T20Is. His journey continued its upward trajectory, making his One Day International (ODI) debut in September 2023 during the Asia Cup, further cementing his place as a key player for the future.