Tilak Varma is one of India’s prominent young left-handed batters and has established himself as an important part of Mumbai Indians and India’s white-ball setup. Born on 8 November 2002 in Hyderabad, Telangana, Tilak is primarily a left-handed batter who can also bowl right-arm off-spin.
His rise has been closely connected with the IPL. Mumbai Indians bought him for ₹1.70 crore at the 2022 IPL auction, and he has remained with the franchise throughout his IPL career. Ahead of the 2025 season, Mumbai Indians retained him for ₹8 crore, which continued into the 2026 season.
Tilak has also made a significant impact for India in T20Is. By September 2026, he had played 49 T20Is and scored 1,390 runs at an average of 44.83 and a strike rate of 145.54, with two centuries and six fifties.
Tilak Varma Quick Profile
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Namboori Thakur Tilak Varma |
| Date of Birth | 8 November 2002 |
| Age | 23 years |
| Birthplace | Hyderabad, Telangana |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Role | Batter |
| Batting Style | Left-hand bat |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm off-spin |
| Domestic Team | Hyderabad |
| IPL Team | Mumbai Indians |
| IPL Debut | 2022 |
| India Debut | 2023 |
| T20I Debut | 3 August 2023 |
| ODI Debut | 2023 |
| Highest IPL Score | 101* |
| Highest T20I Score | 120* |
| IPL 2026 Salary | ₹8 crore |
| BCCI Contract | Grade C, 2025-26 |
The BCCI lists Tilak as a batter, with left-hand batting and right-arm off-spin. Its 2025-26 annual retainership list also places him in Grade C.
Who Is Tilak Varma?
Tilak Varma is an Indian international cricketer from Hyderabad who plays primarily as a middle-order batter.
He developed through Hyderabad’s domestic cricket system before becoming part of India’s Under-19 setup. His performances in domestic cricket helped him attract attention from IPL scouts, eventually leading to his selection by Mumbai Indians in the 2022 auction.
His batting combines left-handed stroke play with the ability to accelerate quickly in T20 cricket. He can also provide occasional off-spin when required.
Mumbai Indians describe him as a batter who developed from a young prospect into an important member of their middle order.
Tilak Varma Age
Tilak Varma was born on 8 November 2002.
As of 23 September 2026, he is 23 years old.
His age is one reason his career has attracted considerable attention. He entered the IPL at 19 and has already accumulated international, IPL and domestic experience before turning 24.
Tilak Varma Early Life and Cricket Journey
Tilak Varma grew up in Hyderabad and started developing his cricket skills at a young age.
His early cricket journey was supported by his family and coaches. Mumbai Indians’ official account of his development highlights the role of coach Salam Bayash, who helped him progress through Hyderabad cricket.
Before his IPL breakthrough, Tilak produced strong performances in domestic limited-overs cricket.
During the 2020-21 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he averaged 36 with a strike rate of 147. He also performed strongly in the 2020-21 Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he averaged 97 and scored two centuries.
Those performances helped him move closer to the IPL and senior-level cricket.
Tilak Varma and India Under-19 Cricket
Tilak Varma was selected in India’s squad for the 2020 ICC Under-19 World Cup in South Africa.
The Under-19 pathway was an important stage in his development because it gave him exposure to high-level international youth cricket.
He subsequently continued progressing through Hyderabad’s domestic system before earning his IPL opportunity.
Tilak Varma IPL Career
Tilak Varma made his IPL debut for Mumbai Indians in 2022.
Mumbai Indians bought him for ₹1.70 crore at the 2022 mega auction, despite his base price being ₹20 lakh.
His first IPL season immediately demonstrated why MI had invested in him. He scored 397 runs in 14 matches during IPL 2022, including two half-centuries.
To explore Mumbai Indians’ major IPL rivalries, check out our Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings Timeline.
He continued to be an important part of Mumbai’s middle order in subsequent seasons.
Tilak Varma IPL Stats by Season
| IPL Season | Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 14 | 397 | 61 | 36.09 | 131.02 |
| 2023 | 11 | 343 | 84* | 42.88 | 164.11 |
| 2024 | 13 | 416 | 65 | 41.60 | 149.64 |
| 2025 | 16 | 343 | 59 | 31.18 | 138.31 |
| 2026 | 14 | 359 | 101* | 29.92 | 145.93 |
| Career | 68 | 1,858 | 101* | 35.73 | 144.70 |
The season-by-season figures show how Tilak has remained a regular contributor since his debut. His 2024 season was his highest IPL run tally before 2026, when he scored his maiden IPL century.
Tilak Varma’s Maiden IPL Century
Tilak Varma’s first IPL century came during IPL 2026 against Gujarat Titans.
Playing for Mumbai Indians, he scored an unbeaten 101 from 45 balls.
His innings included:
- 101* runs
- 45 balls
- 8 fours
- 7 sixes
- Strike rate of 224.44
The innings helped Mumbai Indians reach 199/5, and MI subsequently defeated Gujarat Titans by 99 runs.
This century was particularly significant because it became Tilak’s first hundred in the IPL after several seasons of consistent middle-order performances.
For readers interested in the broader rivalry, you can also explore the Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Titans Timeline, which covers the history and major matches between the two teams.
Tilak Varma’s 2026 IPL Performance
In IPL 2026, Tilak played 14 matches and scored 359 runs.
His season included:
- 359 runs
- 101* highest score
- 1 century
- 2 fifties
- 30 fours
- 17 sixes
- 145.93 strike rate
His century against Gujarat Titans was the standout innings of his campaign.
Tilak Varma International Career
Tilak Varma made his international debut for India in 2023.
He made his T20I debut against the West Indies on 3 August 2023 and later made his ODI debut in the same year.
Although he has played only a small number of ODIs compared with T20Is, his international career has primarily developed around T20 cricket.
The BCCI currently lists him as a batter and records his T20I career with a high strike rate and two centuries.
Tilak Varma T20I Stats
As of September 2026, Tilak Varma has played 49 T20Is and scored 1,390 runs.
| T20I Stat | Record |
|---|---|
| Matches | 49 |
| Innings | 46 |
| Runs | 1,390 |
| Highest Score | 120* |
| Average | 44.83 |
| Strike Rate | 145.54 |
| 100s | 2 |
| 50s | 6 |
| Fours | 109 |
| Sixes | 72 |
These figures include his international appearances through the September 2026 period.
Tilak Varma’s Best T20I Performance
One of Tilak Varma’s most memorable international performances came against South Africa in November 2024.
He scored 120 from 47 balls* in the fourth T20I at Johannesburg, striking at 255.32.
Earlier in the series, he had also scored 107* in the third T20I.
His two consecutive hundreds demonstrated his ability to combine control with extremely aggressive T20 scoring.
Tilak Varma’s 2025 Asia Cup Performance
Tilak Varma also played an important role for India during the 2025 Asia Cup.
In the final against Pakistan, he scored 69 from 53 balls* and was named Player of the Match.
His unbeaten innings helped India win the final and claim the Asia Cup title.
Tilak Varma at the 2026 T20 World Cup
Tilak Varma was part of India’s successful 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign.
The tournament added another major international achievement to his young career.
His role was primarily as a middle-order batting option, where he could provide stability as well as accelerate when required.
Tilak Varma’s Recent International Form in 2026
The 2026 international season has included several T20I assignments for India.
During the July 2026 Zimbabwe series, Tilak scored 60 from 29 balls in the second T20I, striking at more than 200.
He then played against Afghanistan in September 2026, scoring 3, 15 and 2 across the three matches.
On 22 September 2026, he played in India’s historic one-off T20I against Japan and finished unbeaten on 1 from 3 balls as India won by two runs.
Tilak Varma as India’s T20I Vice-Captain
In September 2026, the BCCI named Tilak Varma as vice-captain of India’s T20I squad for the upcoming West Indies series and the updated Japan/Asian Games squad.
Shreyas Iyer was named captain.
The appointment represents an additional leadership responsibility for a player who is still only 23.
India’s five-match T20I series against West Indies is scheduled to begin on 6 October 2026 in Lucknow.
Tilak Varma Career Stats
Here is a snapshot of Tilak Varma’s major career statistics.
| Format | Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 0 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| ODI | 5 | 68 | 52 | 22.66 | 57.14 | 0 | 1 |
| T20I | 49 | 1,390 | 120* | 44.83 | 145.54 | 2 | 6 |
| IPL | 68 | 1,858 | 101* | 35.73 | 144.70 | 1 | 10 |
| First-Class | 23 | 1,562 | 121 | 50.38 | 52.64 | 7 | 5 |
| List A | 47 | 1,867 | 156 | 46.67 | 90.28 | 6 | 10 |
The T20 and IPL figures are particularly important because they reflect the formats in which Tilak has built most of his recent reputation.
Tilak Varma Major Records
Tilak Varma has already achieved several notable milestones despite his young age.
Back-to-Back T20I Centuries
He scored consecutive T20I centuries against South Africa in November 2024:
- 107* in the third T20I
- 120* in the fourth T20I
He became the first Indian male batter to score centuries in consecutive T20I innings.
Three Consecutive T20 Hundreds
His international hundreds were part of a wider run of three consecutive T20 hundreds when his domestic performances are included.
Maiden IPL Century
He scored his first IPL century in 2026, making 101* from 45 balls against Gujarat Titans.
1,000+ IPL Runs
Tilak passed the 1,000-run mark in the IPL before continuing his rise to 1,858 career IPL runs by the end of the 2026 season.
Tilak Varma Playing Style
Tilak Varma is primarily a left-handed middle-order batter.
His game has several notable characteristics.
Left-Handed Batting
Being a left-hander gives his team a different angle in the middle order, particularly when he is paired with right-handed batters.
Strong T20 Stroke Play
His IPL and T20I strike rates show his ability to score quickly.
His career IPL strike rate is 144.70, while his T20I strike rate is 145.54.
Ability Against Spin
Tilak has shown the ability to attack spin during the middle overs, an important skill for a modern T20 batter.
Part-Time Off-Spin
Although batting is his main role, he can bowl right-arm off-spin.
His international bowling figures are limited, so his primary value remains as a batter.
Tilak Varma IPL Salary and Contract
Tilak Varma’s IPL earning profile has changed significantly since his debut.
Mumbai Indians bought him for ₹1.70 crore in the 2022 auction.
He remained at that price through the 2024 season. Ahead of IPL 2025, Mumbai Indians retained him for ₹8 crore, and that retention continued into IPL 2026.
Tilak Varma IPL Price
| IPL Period | Mumbai Indians Price |
|---|---|
| 2022 | ₹1.70 crore |
| 2023 | ₹1.70 crore |
| 2024 | ₹1.70 crore |
| 2025 | ₹8 crore |
| 2026 | ₹8 crore |
His reported IPL earnings across these five seasons amount to approximately ₹21.10 crore before taxes and other deductions, based on the listed IPL salaries.
Tilak Varma BCCI Contract
For the 2025-26 season, the BCCI placed Tilak Varma in Grade C of its annual player retainership list.
The contract period covers 1 October 2025 to 30 September 2026.
This is separate from his IPL income.
His overall cricket earnings can therefore include:
- IPL salary
- BCCI retainership
- Match fees
- Domestic cricket earnings
- Brand endorsements
Tilak Varma Net Worth in 2026
Tilak Varma’s official net worth has not been publicly disclosed.
Various websites publish estimates, but the numbers differ considerably. Some 2026 reports place his estimated wealth around ₹10–20 crore, while other sites give different figures. These estimates are not official financial disclosures and should therefore be treated cautiously.
A more reliable way to discuss his finances is to focus on publicly visible income sources.
Major Known Income Sources
- IPL contract – ₹8 crore for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
- BCCI contract – Grade C for the 2025-26 cycle.
- International match fees – Based on India’s applicable match-fee structure.
- Domestic cricket earnings.
- Brand endorsements and commercial partnerships.
Therefore, rather than claiming an exact net worth, it is more accurate to say that Tilak Varma has built a substantial professional cricket income at a very young age, while exact personal wealth remains private.
Tilak Varma Brand Endorsements
As his cricket profile has grown, Tilak Varma has also attracted commercial interest.
Publicly reported brand associations have included names such as Boost, OPPO India and Dream11, although endorsement portfolios can change over time.
For this reason, individual endorsement claims should be checked against the latest official announcements before treating them as current.
Tilak Varma Family and Background
Tilak Varma comes from Hyderabad.
His father, Namboori Nagaraju, has been described by Mumbai Indians as an electrician who supported his son’s cricket ambitions.
His early journey is often highlighted because his family and coaches supported his development before he reached the IPL.
Why Tilak Varma Is Important to Mumbai Indians
Tilak has become an important part of Mumbai Indians’ middle-order planning.
His value comes from several areas:
- Left-handed batting option
- Middle-order stability
- Ability to accelerate
- Experience in high-pressure IPL games
- Indian player status
- T20 international experience
- Occasional off-spin
His IPL journey also shows how Mumbai Indians have invested in a young domestic player and developed him into an international cricketer.
Readers can explore more about Mumbai’s IPL history through our Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings Timeline, Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Timeline, and Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Titans Timeline.
Tilak Varma vs Other Young Indian Batters
Tilak Varma’s career can also be understood through the role he occupies in India’s T20 batting structure.
Unlike a specialist opener, he generally provides a middle-order left-handed option.
His ability to bat through different match situations is particularly valuable in T20 cricket.
His international numbers also show that he has already produced significant T20I output despite being only 23.
What Is Next for Tilak Varma?
The next phase of Tilak Varma’s career will involve balancing three responsibilities:
- Establishing himself as a consistent international batter
- Handling increased leadership responsibility
- Continuing his development with Mumbai Indians
His appointment as India’s T20I vice-captain in September 2026 adds another dimension to his career.
India’s upcoming West Indies T20I series will provide another opportunity for him to contribute in the middle order.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tilak Varma
How old is Tilak Varma?
Tilak Varma was born on 8 November 2002. He is 23 years old as of September 2026.
What is Tilak Varma’s IPL team?
Tilak Varma plays for Mumbai Indians. He has represented the franchise throughout his IPL career since making his debut in 2022.
What is Tilak Varma’s IPL salary in 2026?
Tilak Varma’s listed IPL salary for 2026 is ₹8 crore. Mumbai Indians retained him at that amount ahead of the 2025 season.
What is Tilak Varma’s highest IPL score?
His highest IPL score is 101 from 45 balls*, scored against Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026.
How many IPL runs has Tilak Varma scored?
At the end of IPL 2026, Tilak Varma had scored 1,858 runs in 68 IPL matches, with a highest score of 101*.
What is Tilak Varma’s highest T20I score?
His highest T20I score is 120*, scored against South Africa in November 2024.
How many T20I centuries does Tilak Varma have?
Tilak Varma has scored two T20I centuries. His highest is 120*, and he also scored 107* against South Africa in 2024.
Is Tilak Varma an all-rounder?
Tilak Varma is officially listed by the BCCI as a batter. He bowls occasional right-arm off-spin but is primarily selected for his batting.
What is Tilak Varma’s net worth?
There is no officially confirmed public net-worth figure for Tilak Varma. Online estimates vary, so any exact number should be treated as an estimate rather than an official figure.
Is Tilak Varma the vice-captain of India?
Yes. In September 2026, the BCCI named Tilak Varma as vice-captain of India’s T20I squad for the upcoming West Indies series and the updated Japan/Asian Games squad.
Final Thoughts
Tilak Varma’s career has developed rapidly since his IPL debut in 2022.
From a young Hyderabad batter bought by Mumbai Indians for ₹1.70 crore, he has become an established IPL middle-order player, an international T20 batter, an Asia Cup match-winner, a T20 World Cup winner and, in 2026, India’s T20I vice-captain.
His 1,858 IPL runs, 1,390 T20I runs, two T20I centuries and maiden IPL hundred in 2026 show how quickly his career has progressed.
At 23, Tilak Varma’s international career is still developing. His future role will depend on his performances, team combinations and leadership opportunities, but his journey from Hyderabad domestic cricket to Mumbai Indians and India has already made him an important name in Indian cricket.