Tilak Varma made his return from injury on Wednesday as India defeated South Africa by 30 runs in their T20 World Cup warm-up fixture in Navi Mumbai. Batting at No. 3, he smacked 45 runs off 19 balls, laced with three sixes and three fours, striking at 236.84. The 23-year-old recently recovered from an abdominal surgery and was training at BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.
India's Tilak Varma plays a shot. (PTI)
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Speaking to BCCI's media team, he said, "I did not expect to be back on the field this early. Really thankful for CoE and BCCI. I always said that my biggest dream is to play the World Cup. The way I entered the rope, everyone was shouting my name. I did not expect that, so it felt really nice and gave me a boost as I was going in. The way Ishan and Abhishek were batting, I decided to play aggressively. I did not expect a full crowd. It's just a warm-up game, but the craze is amazing and really thanks to everyone. The vibe was terrific today, and Tilak and Indian team is ready for the World Cup."
Against South Africa, Ishan Kishan was also in hot form, smacking 53 runs off 20 balls, before retiring out. The knock was key as it further backed up Kishan's claim for a spot in the playing XI. Due to Sanju Samson's poor form, Kishan is expected to open with Abhishek Sharma and did so in the warm-up fixture. Kishan and Tilak's efforts saw India post 240/6 in 20 overs.
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Against South Africa, Ishan Kishan was also in hot form, smacking 53 runs off 20 balls, before retiring out. The knock was key as it further backed up Kishan's claim for a spot in the playing XI. Due to Sanju Samson's poor form, Kishan is expected to open with Abhishek Sharma and did so in the warm-up fixture. Kishan and Tilak's efforts saw India post 240/6 in 20 overs.
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In response, the Proteas reached 210/7 in 20 overs, with Abhishek also taking a two-wicket haul.
There will be significant pressure on Tilak in the upcoming tournament, especially as he will be batting at No. 3 in Virat Kohli's position. Kohli has retired from T20Is and Test cricket.
In 15 T20Is at No. 3, Tilak has registered 542 runs with an average of 60.22 and a strike rate of 160.83. He has also registered two tons and three half-centuries.
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results.
A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.
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Home/Cricket/'Didn't expect to be back so early': Tilak Varma reacts to crowd support after dazzling in return from injury
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