Tilak Varma Breaks Record, Surpasses Virat Kohli Feat With Match-Winning Knock in IND vs ENG 2nd T20I…

Tilak Varma Breaks Record, Surpasses Virat Kohli Feat With Match-Winning Knock in IND vs ENG 2nd T20I

 

In a thrilling encounter in the second T20I between India and England, young Indian cricketer Tilak Varma created history by breaking a long-standing record set by none other than Virat Kohli. The 22-year-old’s explosive and composed match-winning performance not only led India to victory but also saw him surpass a remarkable feat set by the Indian cricket legend.

 

The match, held at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on January 25, 2025, witnessed India clinching a spectacular 7-wicket win over England. India chased down a competitive total of 187 runs with 4 balls to spare, thanks to a stellar knock from the Hyderabad-born southpaw, who ended up scoring 75* runs off just 46 balls. His performance not only took India to the finish line but also made headlines for eclipsing a record held by Kohli for the most runs scored by an Indian cricketer in his first five T20I innings.

 

Tilak Varma Shines Bright

 

After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, India had a somewhat shaky start in defending England’s total. The visitors posted a formidable 186/6 in their 20 overs, with a quickfire 60 runs from their opener Dawid Malan and contributions from captain Jos Buttler (39). However, the Indian bowlers pulled things back in the middle overs, with star all-rounder Hardik Pandya and the leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal picking key wickets.

 

In response, India needed a strong start to chase down the total. However, their opening duo of Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan struggled to find form, leaving India at 45/2 in the 7th over. At that moment, Tilak Varma walked in to bat, and what followed was nothing short of sensational.

 

The 22-year-old left-hander, who was playing only his 5th T20I, displayed a maturity far beyond his years. His technique was flawless as he navigated through a challenging phase in the middle overs. Tilak’s ability to find the boundary at will, combined with his calmness under pressure, set the stage for a memorable knock. The young prodigy not only anchored the chase but also ensured India stayed on track with calculated risks.

 

His stroke play was a thing of beauty. He took on England’s best bowlers, dispatching the likes of Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, and Mark Wood to all corners of the ground. His quick footwork against spinners, especially the flurry of boundaries he hit off Rashid, was a highlight. By the time he reached his half-century, Tilak had already hit 7 boundaries and 2 sixes, displaying great maturity.

 

Record-Breaking Feat

 

What made Tilak’s innings even more special was the record he broke in the process. With his scintillating knock of 75*, he surpassed Virat Kohli’s record for most runs by an Indian cricketer in his first five T20I innings. Kohli had accumulated 220 runs in his initial five matches, a record that stood as a benchmark for many aspiring cricketers. However, Tilak’s cumulative tally after the match surged to 230 runs, surpassing Kohli’s record by 10 runs.

 

This milestone was even more significant considering Kohli’s status as one of the greatest modern-day cricketers, particularly in T20I cricket, where his consistency and ability to perform in high-pressure situations have made him a role model for many young players. Surpassing Kohli’s feat was a testament to Tilak Varma’s prodigious talent and his ability to perform under the spotlight.

 

India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, who himself has been a great ambassador of the T20I format, expressed his excitement after the match. “Tilak has been a standout talent in our squad for some time now, and today, he showed exactly why he is one of the most promising young players in the game. His composure and consistency have impressed all of us, and to surpass a record held by Virat is no small feat,” said Rohit Sharma in the post-match presentation.

 

A Star in the Making

 

The innings was not just about numbers; it was about the way Tilak Varma carried himself. At a time when the Indian middle order was under pressure, his calculated aggression was the perfect response. The calmness with which he steered the ship for India while the asking rate remained steady was reminiscent of some of the greatest T20 players.

 

Tilak’s ability to rotate strike and accelerate when needed made him a valuable asset. His partnership with Hardik Pandya (30 runs off 18 balls) during the middle overs kept the required rate in check and eased the pressure. When Pandya was dismissed in the 17th over, Tilak had already ensured that the match was well within India’s reach. With experienced finishers like Suryakumar Yadav (18*) and Ravindra Jadeja (6*), there was little doubt that India would cross the line, but Tilak’s efforts made the victory a straightforward one.

 

England’s Response

 

For England, the defeat was bitter, as their bowlers, including Wood, Archer, and Rashid, failed to create the pressure needed to dismiss Tilak. England’s fielding also left much to be desired, with a few crucial misfields allowing Tilak to add valuable runs to his total. Despite decent contributions from Malan and Buttler, England could not find a way to stem the tide once Tilak found his rhythm.

 

What Lies Ahead for Tilak Varma?

 

As Tilak Varma continues to dazzle on the international stage, his future looks bright. With several senior Indian players either retiring or moving towards the twilight of their careers, Tilak has firmly positioned himself as one of the future pillars of the Indian cricket team. His performances in the IPL, followed by this stunning knock, have earned him widespread recognition and a place in India’s T20I plans.

 

The cricketing world is already talking about Tilak as the next big thing in Indian cricket, and his record-breaking feat only adds to the growing excitement surrounding him. With his consistency, ability to adapt, and temperament for big-match situations, Tilak Varma seems to have the perfect ingredients to become one of India’s finest in the shortest format of the game.

 

Conclusion

 

Tilak Varma’s incredible knock in the second T20I against England not only ensured a comfortable victory for India but also saw him break a record previously held by Virat Kohli. In doing so, he has cemented his place as one of the brightest young stars in world cricket. As India looks to the future, Tilak’s meteoric rise could very well be the beginning of a new era in Indian T20I cricket. Fans will be eagerly watching how this young sensation continues to evolve and contribute to India’s success in the coming years.