COLOMBO — In the high-stakes arena of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, 23-year-old Tilak Varma has solidified his reputation as India’s new “anchor-in-chief.” As of 15 February 2026, Varma is currently in the middle of a high-pressure Group A clash against Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium, where he has been tasked with stabilising the innings following an early wicket.
The Hyderabad-born left-hander, who rose to prominence with the Mumbai Indians, has transitioned from a promising IPL talent to a vital cog in India’s international middle order. His performance today in Colombo highlights his tactical evolution; after the early dismissal of Abhishek Sharma, Varma joined Ishan Kishan to guide India to 52/1 at the end of the PowerPlay, notably surviving a sharp opening spell from Shaheen Afridi.
The Rise of a Modern Anchor
Varma’s journey to the 2026 World Cup squad was paved by a standout 2025 season. He earned “superstar status” during the 2025 Asia Cup, where his match-winning 69* against Pakistan in the final cemented his place in the national side. Analysts have increasingly compared his playing style to a “Virat Kohli-esque” anchor, capable of reining in his natural aggression to provide a platform for flamboyant stroke-makers like Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya.
According to recent team updates, Varma has embraced a flexible role within the batting order. “I am always ready to play in any position,” Varma stated ahead of the tournament, though he has primarily settled into the No. 3 spot for this World Cup campaign.
Career Statistics & Milestones
Since his debut, Varma has maintained impressive consistency across formats. His technical proficiency against both pace and spin has made him a mainstay in the T20I circuit.
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20I | 40+ | 1,183+ | 51.43 | ~145.00 |
| IPL | 45+ | 1,500+ | 40.20 | 155.00+ |
Tournament Outlook
With India currently navigating the group stages of the T20 World Cup, Varma’s ability to handle pressure remains his greatest asset. Earlier this week, he served as a spokesperson for the team’s fitness, providing updates on teammates Jasprit Bumrah and Abhishek Sharma, further signalling his growing leadership role within the dressing room.
As the match against Pakistan continues, all eyes remain on Varma to see if he can replicate his Asia Cup heroics and secure India’s path toward the knockout stages. His composure in Colombo today suggests that the son of an electrician from Hyderabad is no longer just a prospect, but a cornerstone of Indian cricket’s future.