“Mera time aayega” (My time will come) — this is what Tilak Varma kept reminding himself as he worked through injury setbacks and missed games. The 22-year-old finally had his breakthrough moment in the third T20I against South Africa, claiming his dream spot at No. 3 and turning the opportunity into a phenomenal century. With his unbeaten 107 off just 56 balls, he not only propelled India to a formidable total but also showed why he’s a player to watch in the future of Indian cricket.
The Journey to a Dream Comeback
Tilak’s journey to his defining moment was far from easy. After suffering back-to-back injuries that kept him out of T20I series in Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, and despite not initially making the squad for the Bangladesh series, he finally got his chance against South Africa. In his first two games, Tilak showed glimpses of his potential, but his run-a-ball 20 in the second T20I left him hungry for more. Going into the third game, he was feeling the pressure—but on the field, he turned that pressure into poise, smashing an unbeaten century.
A Game-Changing Request: The No. 3 Spot
Ahead of the game, Tilak approached India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, with a straightforward request: “Give me the opportunity to bat at No. 3. Let me express myself.” Suryakumar took a night to think it over and, trusting Tilak’s determination, told him, “You are going to bat at No. 3… Express yourself.”
The stage was set, and Tilak walked in with India at 190/5, eager to make the most of the opportunity. Facing Marco Jansen’s delivery, he wasted no time, hitting his second ball past point for a four and launching a six over deep third. It was a sign of things to come, and he kept the momentum, especially when he went after Keshav Maharaj, finishing with four and six off consecutive balls. Tilak’s ability to switch gears and handle bowlers like Jansen and Maharaj showed his versatility and confidence.
Tilak’s Century: Numbers and Highlights
- Runs Scored: 107 off 56 balls
- Boundaries: 8 fours and 7 sixes
- Strike Rate: 191.07
At 22 years and 5 days, Tilak became the second-youngest Indian to score a T20I century. His knock was not just about big hits but also about smart pacing. When wickets started falling, he adapted, recognizing the importance of staying till the end. He maintained India’s momentum, bringing up his hundred in just 51 balls. His celebration—pointing and blowing a kiss towards the dugout—was a gesture of gratitude towards Suryakumar for believing in him.
Key Partnerships and Support: Abhishek Sharma and Hardik Pandya
One of the game’s crucial partnerships was with Abhishek Sharma, who scored 50 off 25 balls. Their partnership of 107 runs laid a solid foundation, allowing India to recover from the early loss of Sanju Samson and cruise to a competitive score. Later, Tilak sought support from Hardik Pandya, who shared a few words on maintaining focus. Together, they ensured that India’s scoring rate remained strong.
Suryakumar Yadav’s Role: Trust and Opportunity
It’s rare to see a captain taking a back seat and letting a young player take charge, but Suryakumar Yadav’s decision to promote Tilak turned out to be a masterstroke. In his post-match comments, Suryakumar was full of praise, saying, “I knew what he was capable of, and he did that. Going forward, he is definitely batting at No. 3. He asked for it; he delivered; he has earned it.”
FAQs about Tilak Varma and India’s T20I Victory
Tilak scored an unbeaten 107 off 56 balls in the third T20I, marking his first international century and showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
Tilak approached captain Suryakumar Yadav, requesting the No. 3 spot to better express his potential. Suryakumar granted his request, and Tilak delivered with a match-winning century.
Abhishek Sharma played a key supporting role with a quickfire 50 off 25 balls. Later, Hardik Pandya also provided guidance to help Tilak anchor the innings.
India posted 219/6, thanks to Tilak’s century, and eventually won the match to take an unassailable 2-1 lead in the four-match series.
Tilak has secured his spot at No. 3, with both his performance and Suryakumar’s endorsement solidifying his role as a critical part of India’s T20 lineup.
Conclusion: Tilak Varma’s Time Has Truly Come
From the quiet determination of “Mera time aayega” to delivering on the promise with an unbeaten century, Tilak Varma’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. His willingness to take on challenges, from battling injuries to claiming the No. 3 spot, reflects a young player with both the ambition and skill to make an impact. His stellar performance in the third T20I is just the beginning, and with a captain like Suryakumar willing to back him, India’s T20 lineup looks ready to dominate.
Tilak’s celebration said it all—his time is indeed here, and fans can look forward to more explosive innings from this rising star.
