Irfan Pathan has showered praise on young left-hander Tilak Varma, saying the Hyderabad batter absorbs pressure in the middle like Virat Kohli. Pathan’s comments come after a string of composed performances by Tilak in the Asia Cup, and they raise fresh debate about the youngster’s role in India’s plans for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Pathan’s take: calm under fire
Pathan highlighted Tilak’s temperament as the biggest asset. He pointed out that in crunch situations Tilak doesn’t panic — he reads the game, keeps his head, and plays the moment instead of trying to do too much. That ability, Pathan said, is what separates good young players from those who can go on to become match-winners at the highest level.
Why the Kohli comparison matters
Comparing anyone to Virat Kohli is never casual. Pathan’s comparison focuses on temperament rather than technique: both players have shown the knack for pacing an innings, rotating strike under pressure and accelerating when the situation demands. For India, having another batter who can consistently handle pressure adds valuable balance to the T20 side.
Asia Cup: a stage for maturity
Tilak’s performances in the Asia Cup provided the evidence for Pathan’s praise. He played calm, timely innings when India needed stability in the middle overs and also showed he can clear the ropes when required. His composure against high-quality bowling attacks signalled a readiness to shoulder responsibility in major tournaments.
- Controlled approach: Tilak mixed defence and attack intelligently rather than swinging wildly in tough phases.
- Finishing ability: He has shown he can close out games and make the most of the final overs.
- Fielding and flexibility: His athletic fielding and ability to bat in different positions add to his utility.
Where Tilak fits into India’s T20 World Cup plans
With the World Cup on the horizon, selectors will weigh balance and bench strength. Tilak offers several options:
- As a middle-order stabiliser who can also finish, giving freedom to aggressive top-order players.
- As a left-right combination partner against specific match-ups.
- As a flexible backup who can bat in more than one position depending on the team’s needs.
His temperament means the team can trust him in pressure situations, which is crucial in knockout-style tournaments where a single innings can change the course of a match.
Small improvements that could make a big difference
Despite the promise, consistency will be key. Working on a sharper strike rotation early in an innings, and adapting quickly to varied overseas pitches, will help Tilak convert potential into a long-term spot. If he can add a few more power-hitting options to his game without losing his composure, his case for a World Cup berth becomes even stronger.
What selectors and fans should watch
- How Tilak handles high-pressure games against top opponents.
- Whether he can sustain his strike rate while maintaining game awareness.
- His role flexibility — the more positions he can bat in confidently, the greater his value.
Pathan’s endorsement is both a compliment and a nudge: it recognises Tilak Varma’s current maturity and suggests there’s more to come. For now, Tilak’s Asia Cup form and temperament have given India a promising option in the middle order — someone who, according to Pathan, can absorb pressure like one of the best.