Rising Indian batting star Tilak Varma is on the brink of rewriting cricketing history in the first T20I against England at Eden Gardens on January 22, 2025. Following his impressive back-to-back centuries against South Africa, the 22-year-old cricketer could become the only player in T20I history to achieve three consecutive tons, with scores of 107 not out and 120 not out.
This noteworthy achievement will not only solidify Tilak’s place as one of cricket's promising talents, but it also paints the backdrop of significant stakes for the Indian cricket team during this five-match series. Though India enters the contest as favorites, buoyed by their stellar T20I record, the growing pressure to maintain their dominance cannot be ignored.
With veterans like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja stepping back, the onus now largely falls on younger players to fill the sizeable shoes left behind. Fortunately, rising talents such as Abhishek Sharma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and especially Tilak Varma have stepped up to provide the necessary stability and firepower.
Tilak has become increasingly reliable, especially as he continues to bat at No. 3. His role has been pivotal, enabling him to anchor innings and ease the burden on captain Suryakumar Yadav, who has also impressed with his match-winning capabilities. Together, they are expected to lead the team's charge against England.
"If he scores a century in the 1st T20I vs England, Tilak will become the first player ever to score three consecutive T20I hundreds," reported by AFP. This potential legacy has fueled excitement among cricket fans and analysts alike.
Another dynamo to watch is opener Sanju Samson, who has recently made headlines by scoring three centuries across his last five T20I appearances. After being overlooked for the Champions Trophy squad, Samson is eager to prove himself and contribute significantly to the team's performance.
On the bowling front, the Indian team will look to seasoned pros Mohammed Shami and the fiery left-arm pace of Arshdeep Singh to make headway against England's formidable batting lineup. This squad will include players like Jos Buttler and Phil Salt, known for their explosive capabilities.
Tilak's recent successes have roots tracing back to his performances during the T20I series against South Africa, where he displayed his skills and penchant for putting runs on the board under pressure. Despite his previously slow starts at the outset, he approached team captain Suryakumar Yadav for the coveted No. 3 batting position, which allowed him to showcase his batting talent precisely when needed. His historical scores from the South African series have placed him among the elite few who have achieved back-to-back centuries, alongside legends like Gustav McKeon of France, Rilee Rossouw from South Africa, Phil Salt from England, and fellow Indian Sanju Samson.
Current players who have struck consecutive T20I hundreds include:
- Gustav McKeon - 109 vs Switzerland, 101 vs Norway
- Rilee Rossouw - 100 vs India, 109 vs Bangladesh
- Phil Salt - 109 vs West Indies, 119 vs West Indies
- Sanju Samson - 111 vs Bangladesh, 107 vs South Africa
- Tilak Varma - 107 vs South Africa, 120* vs South Africa
The upcoming match against England is highly anticipated, not just for the global cricket community but particularly for Tilak Varma, who stands at the precipice of setting a new world record on Kolkata's batting-friendly pitch. "This budding batsman has an excellent opportunity to create a new world record," remarked AFP, underscoring the significance of this T20I series.
With increasing excitement and mounting expectations, Tilak's performance could have lasting effects on both his career and the Indian cricket team's standing on the international stage, as they prepare to face the dynamic English side.
There's no denying the pivotal role this match plays not only for India as it navigates through this transformational phase but also for Tilak Varma as he seeks to become one of the most promising cricketers of his generation.