Tilak Varma is one of the most exciting young names in Indian cricket. Born on 8 November 2002, he has already achieved a lot at a very young age. As of 27 August 2026, Tilak Varma is 23 years old. He comes from Hyderabad, Telangana, and is known for his calm nature, clean left-handed batting and ability to score runs quickly.
Tilak first became popular through age-group cricket and later made a name for himself with the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL). His performances in domestic cricket and the IPL helped him earn a place in the Indian team in 2023.
What makes his story interesting is that his journey did not begin with luxury or an easy path. His father worked as an electrician, and Tilak had to work hard from childhood to develop his cricket career. Today, he is an established international cricketer and an important part of India’s T20 setup.
This article covers Tilak Varma’s age, birth, hometown, family, education, career journey, statistics, achievements, lifestyle, income, relationships and several lesser-known facts.
Who Is Tilak Varma?
Tilak Varma, whose full name is Namboori Thakur Tilak Varma, is an Indian professional cricketer. He is primarily a left-handed batter and can also bowl useful right-arm off-spin when required.
He represents India at international level and plays domestic cricket for Hyderabad. In the IPL, he has represented the Mumbai Indians since making his debut in 2022.
Tilak is mainly valued for his batting in the middle order. He has the ability to play both attacking and defensive cricket, which makes him useful in different match situations. He can build an innings when the team needs stability and can also increase the scoring rate when the situation demands it.
By 2026, Tilak had moved beyond being simply a promising youngster. He had become a regular member of India’s T20 plans and was also named India’s T20I vice-captain for the 2026 tours and assignments.
Quick Profile of Tilak Varma
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Namboori Thakur Tilak Varma |
| Popular Name | Tilak Varma |
| Date of Birth | 8 November 2002 |
| Age | 23 years |
| Birthplace | Hyderabad, Telangana, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Cricketer |
| Batting Style | Left-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm off-spin |
| Main Role | Batter |
| Jersey Number | 72 |
| IPL Team | Mumbai Indians |
| Domestic Team | Hyderabad |
| International Debut | 2023 |
| IPL Debut | 2022 |
| International Specialty | T20 cricket |
| T20I Vice-Captain | India |
Birth, Age and Hometown
Tilak Varma was born on 8 November 2002 in Hyderabad, Telangana. His family has roots in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and he grew up in Hyderabad.
As of 27 August 2026, Tilak Varma is 23 years old. He will turn 24 on 8 November 2026.
Hyderabad has played a major role in his cricket journey. The city has produced several talented cricketers, and Tilak became one of the young players to emerge from its strong cricket culture.
His childhood was closely connected with cricket grounds and coaching academies. His early training helped him develop the basic skills that later became the foundation of his professional career.
Early Life and Childhood
Tilak Varma’s childhood story is one of hard work and determination.
His father, Namboori Nagaraju, worked as an electrician, while his mother, Gayatri Devi, is a homemaker. The family did not come from a wealthy sporting background, so becoming a professional cricketer required considerable effort from both Tilak and his family.
Tilak started showing interest in cricket at a young age. One of the important people in his early development was coach Salam Bayash, who noticed his talent when Tilak was playing tennis-ball cricket.
His coach played an important role in helping him develop his game. In his younger years, Tilak had to travel long distances for cricket training. Reports about his early journey have highlighted that his family made major sacrifices to support his cricket ambitions.
Those early years taught him discipline. Instead of treating cricket simply as a hobby, Tilak slowly started approaching the sport as a serious career.
His progress became noticeable as he moved through Hyderabad’s age-group cricket system. His performances eventually brought him into the state setup and then into India’s junior cricket system.
Education and Early Interests
Tilak Varma completed his schooling in Hyderabad. His education included studies at schools in the city, and cricket gradually became the most important part of his life.
Like many young athletes, he had to balance studies with regular training. As his cricket level improved, the amount of time spent on practice, fitness and matches also increased.
Cricket was clearly his strongest interest from a young age. He spent a large part of his childhood learning batting techniques, playing competitive cricket and working with coaches.
His early cricket education was particularly important because he learned not only how to hit the ball but also how to understand match situations. That awareness later became one of his biggest strengths.
Tilak Varma Height, Weight and Physical Details
| Physical Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Height | Around 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) |
| Weight | Around 70–75 kg |
| Build | Athletic |
| Eye Colour | Brown |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Batting Hand | Left |
| Bowling | Right-arm off-spin |
| Jersey Number | 72 |
Family Members of Tilak Varma
Tilak Varma comes from a close-knit family in Hyderabad.
His father is Namboori Nagaraju, who worked as an electrician. His mother is Gayatri Devi, a homemaker. His parents supported his cricket dream from an early age despite the financial and practical challenges involved in professional sports.
Tilak also has an elder brother, N. Tarun Varma, who has been associated with badminton and has represented the sport at a competitive level.
The role of Tilak’s family in his development is important. His journey shows that financial limitations do not always stop a talented youngster when the family is willing to make sacrifices and provide emotional support.
His parents supported his training, travel and cricket education during the years when he was still trying to establish himself.
See also: Yuvraj Singh Age: Full Biography, Stats, Family, Wife, Net Worth, Records and More
Tilak Varma Career Journey
Beginning in Hyderabad Cricket
Tilak’s professional cricket journey started with Hyderabad’s domestic system.
He made his first-class debut for Hyderabad during the 2018–19 season. At that stage, he was still a teenager, but his performances showed that he had the potential to progress quickly.
His development continued through limited-overs cricket. He became particularly effective in T20 cricket because of his ability to rotate the strike and hit boundaries.
His domestic performances eventually brought him into the India Under-19 setup.
2020 Under-19 World Cup
One of the biggest early moments of Tilak’s career came in the 2020 ICC Under-19 World Cup in South Africa.
He was part of India’s squad that reached the final. Tilak featured in the tournament and gained valuable experience playing international youth cricket.
Although India did not win the tournament, the experience was extremely important for his development. Playing against talented young cricketers from different countries helped him understand the demands of international cricket.
The Under-19 World Cup also gave selectors and IPL scouts a closer look at his potential.
Domestic Cricket Progress
Tilak continued developing in Hyderabad’s domestic cricket structure.
He performed well in competitions such as the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy. His ability to score quickly in T20 cricket became one of the reasons why he attracted attention.
One of his major domestic highlights came in the 2021–22 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he was among Hyderabad’s leading run-scorers.
He later produced even bigger performances in domestic cricket. In the 2024–25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he scored 151 runs against Meghalaya, one of the highest individual scores in the competition’s history.
His domestic career demonstrated that his success in the IPL was not based only on one good tournament.
Mumbai Indians and IPL Debut
The biggest turning point in Tilak Varma’s career came during the 2022 IPL season.
Mumbai Indians selected him in the 2022 mega auction for ₹1.70 crore, considerably above his base price. He made his IPL debut for the franchise at just 19 years old.
Instead of looking overwhelmed by the level of the tournament, Tilak played with surprising maturity.
In his first IPL season, he scored 397 runs in 14 matches. His performances immediately made him one of the most talked-about young batters in Indian cricket.
His ability to play under pressure was especially impressive. He was comfortable facing experienced international bowlers and was not afraid to play attacking shots.
IPL 2023
Tilak continued his progress in the 2023 IPL season.
He scored 343 runs in 11 matches, with a strike rate above 160. His consistency in the middle order helped strengthen Mumbai Indians’ batting.
His ability to score rapidly without taking unnecessary risks became a major feature of his game.
The 2023 season also helped him move closer to international selection.
India Debut in 2023
Tilak Varma received his first India call-up in 2023.
He made his T20I debut against the West Indies in August 2023. His first international series showed that he could handle the pressure of playing for India.
He also made his ODI debut against Bangladesh in September 2023.
The transition from IPL cricket to international cricket is difficult for many young players. Tilak, however, adapted quickly, especially in T20 cricket.
Breakthrough T20I Performances in 2024
The year 2024 became a major breakthrough period for Tilak.
His most memorable international performances came during India’s T20I series against South Africa in November 2024.
He scored 107 in one match and followed it with 120 not out in the next. The back-to-back hundreds were remarkable because they showed both his attacking ability and his temperament.
He also became the first player to score centuries in three consecutive T20 innings, counting his previous T20 century in the sequence.
These performances firmly established Tilak as one of India’s most exciting young T20 batters.
IPL 2024
Tilak also enjoyed a strong IPL 2024 season.
He scored 416 runs in 13 matches, averaging 41.60 with a strike rate close to 150.
The season showed that his earlier IPL performances were not a one-time success. He was becoming a reliable middle-order batter capable of performing season after season.
2025: Growing International Responsibility
Tilak continued to play an important role for India in 2025.
He produced several useful performances in T20 cricket, including a memorable 72 against England in January 2025.
His IPL season produced 343 runs in 16 matches.
One of the biggest moments of his international career came in the 2025 Asia Cup final against Pakistan.
Tilak played a calm and important innings of 69 not out from 53 balls, helping India win the title. He was named Player of the Match for his performance.
This innings was particularly important because it showed his ability to handle pressure in a major final.
2026: A Bigger Role for India
The 2026 season further increased Tilak’s importance in Indian cricket.
He was part of India’s successful ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign and contributed to the team’s title-winning run.
He also continued playing for Mumbai Indians in the IPL.
During IPL 2026, Tilak scored 359 runs in 14 matches, including his first IPL century. His best score was 101 not out, showing how much his batting had developed since his debut.
His international role also increased. In 2026, he was named vice-captain of India’s T20I side for several assignments.
By the middle of 2026, he had become much more than a young prospect. He was now being trusted with greater responsibility.
Career Stats
International Career Stats
| Format | Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 0 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| ODI | 5 | 68 | 52 | 22.67 | 57.14 | 0 | 1 |
| T20I | 58 | 1,634 | 120* | 44.16 | 145.37 | 2 | 9 |
T20I Bowling
| Matches | Innings Bowled | Wickets | Best Bowling | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 58 | 8 | 5 | 1/1 | 6.10 |
IPL Career
| 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 |
| Total | 68 | 1,858 | 101* | 35.73 | 144.70 |
His IPL career also includes 10 half-centuries, one century and 44 catches.
Playing Style and Strengths
Tilak Varma is a left-handed middle-order batter with an attacking style, but his game is not based only on power.
One of his biggest strengths is his ability to find gaps. He can use the pace of the bowler and place the ball into areas that make it difficult for fielders to stop.
His major strengths include:
- Left-handed batting, which creates a different angle for bowlers.
- Strong ability against spin bowling.
- Good use of the crease.
- Powerful shots through the leg side.
- Ability to rotate the strike.
- Confidence against fast bowlers.
- Calmness during pressure situations.
- Strong T20 batting skills.
- Ability to accelerate without losing control.
- Useful right-arm off-spin when required.
Another important quality is his temperament. His innings in major matches have shown that he does not panic easily.
He can play slowly when the team is under pressure and then change gears when required. This flexibility is one reason India sees him as a valuable T20 batter.
Wife, Relationships and Personal Life
Tilak Varma is not married, so there is no publicly confirmed wife.
He generally keeps his personal life away from the spotlight and focuses most of his public attention on cricket.
In 2026, social media rumours linked him with actress Sreeleela. However, the relationship speculation was publicly described as baseless, and reports said that the two had not even met or spoken to each other.
Therefore, it would be incorrect to present Sreeleela as Tilak Varma’s girlfriend or partner.
Tilak’s personal life remains relatively private. Unlike some celebrity cricketers, he does not frequently discuss relationships or private matters in interviews.
At 23, his main public focus continues to be cricket, fitness and his growing responsibilities with India.
Milestones, Records and Achievements
Tilak Varma has achieved several important milestones despite being only 23.
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 2018–19 | First-class debut for Hyderabad |
| 2020 | Played in India’s Under-19 World Cup campaign |
| 2022 | IPL debut for Mumbai Indians |
| 2022 | Scored 397 IPL runs in debut season |
| 2023 | Made India T20I debut |
| 2023 | Made ODI debut |
| 2024 | Scored consecutive T20I centuries against South Africa |
| 2024 | Scored 120* in T20I cricket |
| 2025 | Played a match-winning 69* in Asia Cup final |
| 2025 | Won Player of the Match in the Asia Cup final |
| 2025 | Became a BCCI Grade C contracted player |
| 2026 | Part of India’s T20 World Cup-winning squad |
| 2026 | Scored first IPL century, 101* |
| 2026 | Became India’s T20I vice-captain |
| 2026 | Crossed 1,800 IPL runs |
Some Special Records
One of Tilak’s most impressive achievements is his run of consecutive T20 centuries in 2024.
His 120 not out against South Africa also remains one of the standout innings of his young international career.
His 69 not out in the 2025 Asia Cup final was another major milestone because it came in a high-pressure match against Pakistan.
His first IPL century in 2026, 101 not out, was another important step in his development.
Lifestyle, House and Car Collection
Tilak Varma’s lifestyle has changed significantly since his IPL debut.
He came from a modest family background, but professional cricket has brought him financial success. His Mumbai Indians contract, BCCI earnings, match fees and possible brand partnerships have significantly increased his income.
Tilak is associated with Hyderabad and is known to spend time with his family when he is away from cricket.
There are various reports online about luxury properties and expensive cars allegedly owned by him. However, many such reports do not provide enough reliable confirmation.
Therefore, it is better not to treat every internet claim about his house or car collection as fact.
Some media reports have mentioned luxury vehicles such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW models in connection with Tilak, but a complete officially confirmed car collection is not publicly available.
His lifestyle appears to be increasingly comfortable, but he has generally maintained a comparatively low-key public image.
Challenges and Struggles
Tilak Varma’s success did not come overnight.
One of his biggest challenges was coming from a family that did not have the financial resources normally associated with elite sports.
His father worked as an electrician, and supporting a young cricketer involved expenses for coaching, equipment, travel and competitions.
Another challenge was the long travel involved in his early cricket training. His coach helped him continue his development, and his family eventually made changes to make regular training easier.
Tilak also had to deal with the normal pressure faced by young cricketers.
After his successful IPL debut, expectations increased rapidly. Every season, fans and selectors expected more runs. Moving from domestic cricket to the IPL and then to international cricket brought another level of pressure.
Injuries and fitness concerns also became part of his professional journey. In early 2026, he had to spend time recovering before returning to full match fitness.
Instead of allowing these challenges to stop his progress, Tilak continued working on his game.
Net Worth, Salary and Income Sources
Tilak Varma’s exact personal net worth is not officially disclosed.
Various media and sports websites have published different estimates. Because these figures are not audited public records, they should be treated as estimates rather than exact facts.
His major income sources include:
- IPL salary
- BCCI central contract
- International match fees
- Domestic cricket earnings
- Brand endorsements
- Commercial and promotional appearances
Mumbai Indians retained Tilak for ₹8 crore per season, making his IPL contract one of the biggest sources of his cricket income.
Before his major retention deal, his IPL salary was around ₹1.70 crore per season. His rise from ₹1.70 crore to ₹8 crore shows how quickly his value increased after his performances in the IPL and international cricket.
He was also listed under the BCCI Grade C central contract, which carries an annual retainer of ₹1 crore under the applicable contract structure, in addition to match fees.
Some 2026 media estimates place Tilak Varma’s net worth somewhere in the ₹10–20 crore range, but this should be viewed only as an approximate media estimate. His actual wealth can change depending on taxes, investments, endorsements, property and other private financial matters.
Lesser-Known Facts About Tilak Varma
- Tilak Varma was born on 8 November 2002.
- He is from Hyderabad, Telangana.
- His full name is Namboori Thakur Tilak Varma.
- He is a left-handed batter.
- He bowls right-arm off-spin.
- His jersey number is 72.
- He was part of India’s 2020 Under-19 World Cup squad.
- His father worked as an electrician.
- His cricket talent was noticed when he was playing tennis-ball cricket.
- He made his IPL debut at just 19 years old.
- Mumbai Indians bought him for ₹1.70 crore in the 2022 mega auction.
- He scored 397 runs in his first IPL season.
- He made his international debut in 2023.
- He scored consecutive T20I centuries against South Africa in 2024.
- He scored 120 not out in one of those innings.
- He scored 69 not out in the 2025 Asia Cup final.
- He was named Player of the Match in that final.
- He was part of India’s 2026 T20 World Cup-winning team.
- He scored his first IPL century in 2026.
- His first IPL century was 101 not out.
- He became India’s T20I vice-captain in 2026.
- He is known for keeping his personal life relatively private.
Social Media Presence
Tilak Varma has a strong social media following, especially among young cricket fans.
He uses social media to share moments from cricket matches, training, team activities, celebrations and personal milestones.
His Instagram presence is particularly popular, with his account generally identified as @tilakvarma9.
Like many modern cricketers, social media has become an important part of his connection with fans. However, Tilak generally keeps his posts focused on cricket, teammates, achievements and selected personal moments rather than sharing every detail of his private life.
Fans should also be careful with fake accounts, edited photographs and unverified relationship claims because young celebrities often become targets of misleading social media content.
Future Outlook of Tilak Varma
The future looks promising for Tilak Varma.
India has been looking for dependable young middle-order batters for T20 cricket, and Tilak fits that role naturally.
His next major challenge will be consistency.
Scoring hundreds and match-winning innings is important, but becoming a long-term international player requires performance over many years.
He will also need to continue improving his bowling, fitness and ability against different types of bowling attacks.
If he continues progressing at the current rate, he could become one of India’s most important middle-order batters in white-ball cricket.
His appointment as a T20I vice-captain in 2026 is already a sign that the team management sees leadership potential in him.
Conclusion
Tilak Varma’s story is a good example of how talent, family support, coaching and hard work can change a person’s life.
Born in Hyderabad on 8 November 2002, he is 23 years old as of August 2026. He started cricket at a young age, worked his way through Hyderabad’s domestic system, represented India at the Under-19 World Cup, became an IPL star with Mumbai Indians and eventually earned his India debut.
His career has developed rapidly. From scoring 397 runs in his first IPL season to becoming an international batter and T20I vice-captain, Tilak has covered a lot of ground in a short period.
His performances in the 2024 South Africa series, the 2025 Asia Cup final and India’s 2026 T20 World Cup campaign have helped build his reputation.
At only 23, his career is still at an early stage. If he continues to improve and remains consistent, Tilak Varma has the potential to become one of the leading left-handed batters of his generation.
FAQs About Tilak Varma
How old is Tilak Varma?
When is Tilak Varma’s birthday?
Where was Tilak Varma born?
What is Tilak Varma’s height?
Who is Tilak Varma’s father?
Who is Tilak Varma’s mother?
Is Tilak Varma married?
Who is Tilak Varma’s wife?
Is Tilak Varma dating Sreeleela?
What is Tilak Varma’s batting style?
Does Tilak Varma bowl?
Which IPL team does Tilak Varma play for?
When did Tilak Varma make his IPL debut?
How much is Tilak Varma’s IPL salary?
What is Tilak Varma’s highest IPL score?
What is Tilak Varma’s highest T20I score?
Also read about: Priyansh Arya Age: Full Biography, Height, Stats, Family, Net Worth and More
