Tilak Varma, a key player for Mumbai Indians and regarded as a potential future captain of the franchise, has once again shown his class in domestic cricket. The talented left-handed batsman delivered an exceptional century for India A in the ongoing Duleep Trophy 2024, further solidifying his reputation as a rising star in Indian cricket.
A Century That Strengthened India A’s Lead
Coming to bat after the dismissal of Mayank Agarwal on Day 2, Tilak Varma displayed patience and composure at the crease. His century came off 177 balls, laced with nine well-timed boundaries. Tilak’s innings was crucial in extending India A’s lead over India D to nearly 500 runs by the third day. His calm and calculated approach highlighted his ability to anchor the innings when the team needed him the most.
From IPL Star to Domestic Hero
Tilak Varma has been making waves ever since he was bought by Mumbai Indians in the 2022 IPL auction for a whopping ₹1.7 crore, a significant jump from his base price of ₹20 lakhs. Known for his strong middle-order performances, Tilak has become an indispensable part of the Mumbai Indians’ setup. He first grabbed attention in the 2020-21 Vijay Hazare Trophy by scoring two centuries, and his recent domestic form suggests he’s just getting started.
Tilak’s Comeback After Four Months
This century also marks a successful return for Tilak, who was last seen in action during the 2024 IPL season. After missing several months, his return was keenly anticipated, and he didn’t disappoint. Although he struggled in the first innings, managing only 10 runs, his second-innings performance more than made up for it. With this knock, Tilak reminded everyone why he’s considered a future leader not just for Mumbai Indians, but perhaps for Indian cricket as well.
India A Dominates with Pratham Singh and Tilak Verma’s Contributions
Tilak Verma wasn’t the only standout performer for India A in this match. Earlier in the innings, Pratham Singh, a key domestic player for Delhi and Railways, also smashed a brilliant century. Together, their efforts have placed India A in a commanding position, showcasing the depth of young talent in Indian cricket.