Tilak Varma has already gone from being an exciting IPL youngster to an established India T20I batter. By September 2026, he has played 63 T20 internationals and scored 1,666 runs, while his Mumbai Indians record stands at 1,858 runs in 68 IPL matches. He has also added an IPL hundred, a T20 world-record milestone and a major domestic captaincy achievement to his name.
That makes a Tilak Varma biography much more interesting than the early profiles written around his IPL debut in 2022. He is now 23, remains with Mumbai Indians, is part of India T20I leadership group as vice-captain in the latest squad announcement, and continues to build a reputation as a flexible left-handed middle-order batter.
Here is a detailed look at Tilak Varma age, debut, jersey number, career, IPL team, price, records and updated stats.
Tilak Varma Biography: Early Life and Background
Tilak Varma was born on November 8, 2002, in Hyderabad,Telangana.His full name is commonly listed as Namboori Thakur Tilak Varma. He grew up in a family where cricket was not an easy career to pursue financially, but his talent was noticed at a young age.
His childhood coach Salam Bayash played a major role in his development.Bayash spotted Tilak playing tennis-ball cricket when he was around 11 and eventually began helping him with training, transport and equipment. The distance to the academy was a major challenge, with Bayash taking him to practice on his bike before the family later moved closer to the academy.
Tilak father, Namboori Nagaraju, worked as an electrician. Reports from the early stage of his career described the financial difficulties the family faced while trying to support his cricket. Tilak has also spoken publicly about wanting to use his early professional earnings to help his parents.
That background is important because Tilak was not simply identified as an elite junior and handed a straightforward route into professional cricket. He had to progress through Hyderabad’s domestic system before the IPL gave him a much larger platform.
Domestic Cricket Career
Tilak Varma made his first-class debut for Hyderabad in the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy on December 30, 2018. He made his Twenty20 debut for Hyderabad on February 28, 2019, against Services, and his List A debut followed on September 28, 2019.
His early white-ball performances helped him attract attention before he became a regular name in the IPL. He was particularly productive for Hyderabad in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where his combination of left-handed stroke play and part-time off-spin gave him value beyond pure batting.
One of his biggest domestic milestones came in November 2024. Playing for Hyderabad in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Tilak smashed 151 from 67 balls against Meghalaya. The innings became the highest individual score in the tournament’s history at that point. More remarkably, it completed a sequence of three consecutive T20 centuries after his two international hundreds against South Africa.
Tilak red-ball credentials have also developed. In the 2026 Duleep Trophy, he captained South Zone and scored 266 runs in the tournament. His campaign included an unbeaten 116 and 51 in the semifinal against North Zone and a 99 in the final against East Zone. BCCI named him Player of the Series.
India U-19 Career
Tilak was selected for India squad at the 2020 ICC Under-19 World Cup in South Africa. The squad also included players such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel and Ravi Bishnoi.
India reached the final of that tournament, although Tilak did not produce major batting numbers. Even so, the tournament formed an important part of his development because it gave him experience in an international youth competition before his move into senior domestic cricket and, eventually, the IPL.
IPL Debut With Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians bought Tilak Varma for ₹1.70 crore in the 2022 IPL mega auction. His base price was ₹20 lakh, meaning MI paid well above the starting figure to secure the uncapped youngster.
His IPL debut came on March 27, 2022, against Delhi Capitals at the Brabourne Stadium.
Tilak immediately looked comfortable at IPL level. In his first season, he scored 397 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 131.02, including two fifties. His best score was 61 against Rajasthan Royals.
The following seasons confirmed that his first campaign was not a one-off. In 2023 he scored 343 runs at a strike rate above 164, while in 2024 he produced his best IPL run tally before 2026, making 416 runs.
By then, Tilak had established himself as one of Mumbai Indians important young batters and was playing alongside senior India stars such as Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav. Readers interested in another key MI batter can also check our Suryakumar Yadav age, stats and IPL records.
Tilak Varma IPL Stats by Season
| IPL Season | Matches | Runs | Highest | Average | Strike Rate | 50s | 100s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 14 | 397 | 61 | 36.09 | 131.02 | 2 | 0 |
| 2023 | 11 | 343 | 84* | 42.88 | 164.11 | 1 | 0 |
| 2024 | 13 | 416 | 65 | 41.60 | 149.64 | 3 | 0 |
| 2025 | 16 | 343 | 59 | 31.18 | 138.31 | 2 | 0 |
| 2026 | 14 | 359 | 101* | 29.92 | 145.93 | 2 | 1 |
| IPL Career | 68 | 1,858 | 101* | 35.73 | 144.70 | 10 | 1 |
The 2026 season gave Tilak his first IPL century. Against Gujarat Titans on April 20, 2026, he smashed an unbeaten 101 from 45 balls, including eight fours and seven sixes, at a strike rate of 224.44. It was also his first hundred in the IPL.
Tilak Varma IPL Price and Contract
Tilak Varma IPL price has changed considerably since he first entered the auction.
| Year | IPL Team | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Mumbai Indians | ₹1.70 crore |
| 2023 | Mumbai Indians | Retained |
| 2024 | Mumbai Indians | Retained |
| 2025 | Mumbai Indians | ₹8 crore retention |
| 2026 | Mumbai Indians | ₹8 crore retention |
Mumbai Indians retained Tilak for ₹8 crore ahead of the 2025 mega auction, alongside Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma. He remained part of MI retained group for IPL 2026 as well.
So, when people ask what is Tilak Varma IPL price, the current figure associated with his contract is ₹8 crore, while his original 2022 auction purchase price was ₹1.70 crore.
Tilak Varma International Debut
Tilak made his T20I debut for India on August 3, 2023, against the West Indies at Tarouba. He made his ODI debut a little later, on September 15, 2023, against Bangladesh in Colombo.
His T20I career developed much faster than his ODI career. He has remained a regular option in India shortest-format setup, while his ODI appearances have been limited to five matches so far.
That difference also explains why most discussions around Tilak Varma today focus on T20 cricket rather than treating all formats equally.
Tilak Varma International Stats
The following figures are updated through his most recent recorded T20I against Japan on September 22, 2026.
Batting and Fielding Statistics
| Format | Matches | Inns | Not Out | Runs | Highest | Average | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s | Catches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | — | 0 | 0 | — |
| ODIs | 5 | 4 | 1 | 68 | 52 | 22.67 | 57.14 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| T20Is | 63 | 60 | 22 | 1,666 | 120* | 43.84 | 143.74 | 2 | 9 | 46 |
| IPL | 68 | 65 | 13 | 1,858 | 101* | 35.73 | 144.70 | 1 | 10 | 44 |
Tilak T20I record now stands at 1,666 runs from 63 matches. He has nine fifties and two hundreds, with a highest score of 120 not out. His T20I strike rate remains above 143, which shows how strongly his game is built around scoring quickly.
Bowling Statistics
| Format | Matches | Bowling Inns | Wickets | Best Bowling | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODIs | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0/18 | 6.80 |
| T20Is | 63 | 8 | 5 | 1/1 | 6.09 |
| IPL | 68 | 4 | 0 | 0/6 | 7.64 |
Tilak is primarily a batter rather than a frontline bowler. His right-arm off-spin is usually an additional option, and his bowling workload has remained relatively small at international and IPL level.
Tilak Varma Biggest International Milestones
The biggest statistical highlight of Tilak early international career came in November 2024.
He scored 107 against South Africa in Centurion and then followed it with an unbeaten 120 in Johannesburg. Those two innings were then followed by his 151 for Hyderabad in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. That made him the first batter to score centuries in three consecutive T20 innings.
His next major pressure performance came in the 2025 Asia Cup final against Pakistan. India were 20 for 3 while chasing 146, and Tilak finished unbeaten on 69 from 53 balls. The innings helped India complete the chase and earned him the Player of the Match award. He scored 213 runs across the tournament.
He was also part of India successful 2026 ICC Men T20 World Cup campaign.
Another significant milestone arrived in December 2025 when Tilak crossed 1,000 T20I runs before turning 24, becoming India’s youngest batter to reach that mark.
Tilak Varma in 2026
Tilak 2026 season has added another layer to his career.
In the IPL, he scored 359 runs in 14 matches and made his maiden century with 101* against Gujarat Titans.
For India, he has continued to feature regularly in T20Is. His 2026 T20I tally currently stands at 483 runs from 23 matches, with a highest score of 60 not out.
His domestic campaign was equally notable. He captained South Zone in the 2026 Duleep Trophy, scored 266 runs and was named Player of the Series despite South Zone losing the final to East Zone on first-innings lead.
The latest BCCI squad announcement also lists Tilak as India T20I vice-captain for the upcoming home series against the West Indies.
Tilak Varma Jersey Number
Tilak Varma current BCCI player profile lists his jersey number as 72. The profile also confirms his left-handed batting style and right-arm off-spin bowling.
So the current answer to Tilak Varma jersey number is 72.
Tilak Varma Playing Style
Tilak is a left-handed batter who is comfortable against both pace and spin. He can build an innings without rushing and then shift gears when the required rate rises.
His IPL numbers show that ability clearly. He has maintained a career strike rate above 144 while averaging 35.73 across 68 matches. His T20I average is even higher at 43.84.
He is also comfortable moving around the batting order. Tilak himself has said he is prepared to bat at No. 3, 4, 5 or 6 depending on what the team needs.
That flexibility is important for India because the middle order often changes according to match conditions and combinations. His role can therefore resemble the flexible T20 approach seen with other modern Indian batters, including players such as Sai Sudharsan in the wider India setup.
Personal Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Namboori Thakur Tilak Varma |
| Date of Birth | November 8, 2002 |
| Age | 23 years |
| Birthplace | Hyderabad, Telangana, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Role | Batter |
| Batting Style | Left-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm off-spin |
| Current IPL Team | Mumbai Indians |
| India Format | T20I regular |
| Jersey Number | 72 |
| T20I Debut | August 3, 2023 |
| ODI Debut | September 15, 2023 |
| IPL Debut | March 27, 2022 |
The age shown above is based on his date of birth and the current date, September 27, 2026. His 24th birthday will fall on November 8, 2026.
Major Records and Achievements
Tilak Varma already has several notable achievements despite being only 23.
He is the first batter to score centuries in three consecutive T20 innings, combining two T20I hundreds against South Africa with his 151 for Hyderabad in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
He also became the youngest Indian to reach 1,000 T20I runs before the age of 24.
In the IPL, his unbeaten 101 against Gujarat Titans in 2026 became his first century in the competition.
At the domestic level, he was named Player of the Series in the 2026 Duleep Trophy after scoring 266 runs as South Zone captain.
And his 2025 Asia Cup final innings of 69* against Pakistan remains one of the clearest examples of his ability to bat under pressure at international level.
Tilak Varma Career So Far
Tilak career can now be divided into several clear stages: early development with Hyderabad, the breakthrough into the IPL, his transition into India T20I side, and his emergence as a senior player capable of handling leadership responsibility.
Mumbai Indians gave him his first major professional platform in 2022, but his domestic record showed that the franchise had more than just a short-format hitter on its hands. His first-class average is above 57, and his 2026 Duleep Trophy campaign demonstrated that he can also produce substantial innings in longer cricket.
The international numbers have been even more impressive in T20 cricket. With 1,666 runs from 63 T20Is, two hundreds and a strike rate of 143.74, Tilak has become one of India’s established options in the format.
The challenge now is sustaining that output while taking on greater responsibility. His elevation to India’s T20I vice-captaincy in the latest squad announcement indicates that his role within the national setup has grown beyond batting alone.
Conclusion
Tilak Varma rise from Hyderabad cricket to Mumbai Indians and then India has already produced some remarkable numbers. His 1,858 IPL runs, 1,666 T20I runs, three consecutive T20 centuries across formats and unbeaten Asia Cup final fifty-plus innings have given him a strong statistical foundation at 23.
The next part of his career will be about turning that excellent start into sustained leadership and long-term success for India. For now, his record makes one thing clear: Tilak Varma is no longer simply an IPL prospect. He is an established India batter with a growing role in the team’s future.
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FAQ
What is Tilak Varma age?
Tilak Varma is 23 years old as of September 27, 2026. He was born on November 8, 2002.
What is Tilak Varma jersey number?
His current BCCI player profile lists jersey number 72.
Which IPL team does Tilak Varma play for?
Tilak Varma plays for Mumbai Indians. The franchise bought him for ₹1.70 crore in 2022 and retained him for ₹8 crore ahead of the 2025 mega auction.
What is Tilak Varma IPL price?
His original IPL auction price was ₹1.70 crore in 2022. His current retained price is ₹8 crore.
When did Tilak Varma make his India debut?
He made his T20I debut on August 3, 2023, against the West Indies. His ODI debut came on September 15, 2023, against Bangladesh.
How many runs has Tilak Varma scored in T20Is?
As of September 2026, Tilak Varma has scored 1,666 runs in 63 T20Is, including two centuries and nine fifties.
