When you talk about young cricket talents in India, the name Tilak Varma immediately stands out. In just a few years, he has gone from playing on small grounds in Hyderabad to representing India on the world stage. His story is one of hard work, dedication, and a never-give-up attitude. Tilak’s journey is inspiring because it shows how determination and family support can turn dreams into reality. From a boy who faced financial struggles to becoming a millionaire cricketer and a national hero, Tilak Varma’s life is nothing short of extraordinary.
Early Life and Family
Tilak Varma was born on 8 November 2002 in Hyderabad, which was then part of Andhra Pradesh and is now the capital of Telangana. His full name is Namboori Tilak Varma. Tilak grew up in a middle-class family where money was always tight, but love and support were never lacking. His father, Namboori Nagaraju, worked as an electrician. Despite earning a modest income, Nagaraju never hesitated to put in extra hours to ensure his son had everything he needed to chase his cricketing dreams. Tilak’s mother, Gayatri Devi, is a homemaker who has always been the emotional backbone of the family. He also has an elder brother named Tarun Varma, who shares a close bond with him and has supported him at every step.
Life was not easy for the Varma family. They lived in a simple home in Hyderabad and often faced financial challenges. There were days when paying for cricket coaching or buying cricket gear was difficult. But Tilak’s father worked double shifts, sometimes staying up for 24 hours at a stretch, just to earn enough to support his son’s passion. Their sacrifices gave Tilak the foundation to dream big and the courage to chase those dreams.
Education and Early Training
Tilak did his schooling at Crescent Model English School and later attended Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s Public School in Hyderabad. After finishing school, he went to Lepakshi Junior College for his higher studies. Even though cricket was his first love, Tilak never ignored his education. He managed to balance both, attending classes in the morning and heading straight to the practice nets in the evening.
His journey into serious cricket began when he was about eleven years old. Tilak used to play tennis-ball cricket in his neighborhood, where he first showed his natural talent. During one of those matches, he was spotted by Salim Bayash, a local cricket coach. Bayash immediately recognized the young boy’s potential and convinced Tilak’s parents to let him join formal training. Salim Bayash became not just a coach but also a mentor and guide. He even went the extra mile to help Tilak by giving him rides to the academy, which was almost 40 kilometers away from his home. Without Bayash’s support and the sacrifices of his family, Tilak’s rise would have been much more difficult.
Tilak trained at the Legala Cricket Academy in Lingampally, Hyderabad, where he learned the basics of batting and developed his technique. His hard work soon started paying off in local tournaments and age-group matches.
Domestic Cricket Career
Tilak Varma’s professional cricket career began when he was selected to play for Hyderabad in the Ranji Trophy during the 2018–19 season. He made his first-class debut on 30 December 2018, becoming one of the youngest players to represent Hyderabad at that level. His natural ability to handle both pace and spin quickly caught the attention of selectors.
In February 2019, he made his T20 debut for Hyderabad in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Later, in September 2019, he played his first List A match in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. These early matches gave him the experience and confidence to face top bowlers and perform under pressure.
Tilak’s big moment in junior cricket came when he was selected to represent India in the 2020 Under-19 World Cup. Wearing the India jersey for the first time was a dream come true for him and his family. Although India did not win the tournament and Tilak’s personal performance was modest, the experience of playing against the best young talents in the world helped him grow as a cricketer.
Indian Premier League (IPL) and International Career
The Indian Premier League (IPL) changed Tilak Varma’s life. In February 2022, during the IPL auction, the Mumbai Indians bought him for ₹1.70 crore, a massive step up for a young cricketer. Playing under the guidance of legends like Rohit Sharma, Kieron Pollard, and Mahela Jayawardene gave Tilak the perfect platform to showcase his skills.
In his debut season for Mumbai Indians, Tilak impressed everyone with his fearless batting. In only his second match, he smashed 61 runs off 33 balls against Rajasthan Royals, showing that he was ready to play at the highest level. Over the next two seasons, he continued to perform consistently, playing key innings and becoming a reliable middle-order batter. By 2023, he had already scored several half-centuries and had gained a reputation for playing mature knocks under pressure.
Mumbai Indians rewarded his performances by retaining him for the 2023 and 2024 seasons at the same salary. Then in 2025, his hard work paid off in a big way when his IPL salary jumped to ₹8 crore. This huge raise showed how much faith the franchise had in his ability to deliver match-winning performances. By mid-2025, Tilak had scored nearly 1,500 runs in 54 IPL matches with an average of over 37, making him one of the most promising young players in the league.
Tilak’s consistent IPL performances earned him a call-up to the Indian T20 International team. He made his T20I debut on 3 August 2023 against West Indies. In his very first match, he top-scored for India with 39 runs off 22 balls, proving that he belonged on the international stage. His calmness and confidence stood out, especially for someone so young.
In September 2023, he made his One Day International (ODI) debut against Bangladesh during the Asia Cup. Although his ODI career started quietly, he continued to learn and improve with every match. His breakthrough moment came in November 2024, when he scored his first T20I century, an unbeaten 107 runs off 56 balls against South Africa. Astonishingly, in the very next match, he smashed another century, scoring 120 not out off 47 balls. Scoring back-to-back centuries in T20 internationals is a rare achievement and showed the world that Tilak Varma was a special talent.
One of his proudest moments came in 2025 during the Asia Cup final. Playing against Pakistan in a high-pressure match, Tilak scored a match-winning 69 runs and was named Player of the Match. His ability to handle pressure in such a big game earned him praise from cricket legends and fans alike.
To gain more experience in different conditions, Tilak also signed a short-term contract with Hampshire in the English county circuit in 2025. Playing in England helped him adapt to swinging conditions and improved his technique against fast bowling.
Tilak Varma is a left-handed batsman who is known for his elegant stroke play and ability to accelerate when required. He is equally comfortable against spin and pace and has the rare ability to play both anchor and finisher roles. Though he occasionally bowls right-arm off-spin, his main job is to score runs. His calm temperament, clean hitting, and sharp cricketing brain make him a complete package for modern cricket. He is also a safe fielder, often saving crucial runs and taking sharp catches.
Achievements and Awards
Even at a young age, Tilak Varma has already collected several notable achievements:
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Represented India in the Under-19 World Cup in 2020
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Made his T20I debut at the age of 20, top-scoring in his first match
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Scored consecutive T20I centuries against South Africa in 2024
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Played a match-winning knock of 69 runs in the Asia Cup 2025 final, earning the Player of the Match award
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Consistently performed in the IPL with an average of over 37 after just a few seasons
These milestones are just the beginning of what promises to be a long and successful career.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
Tilak Varma’s rise in cricket has also brought him financial success. As of 2025, his estimated net worth is around ₹5 crore (approximately USD 600,000). His main sources of income include:
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IPL Salary: Starting with ₹1.70 crore in 2022 and rising to a massive ₹8 crore in 2025
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BCCI Central Contract: A Grade C contract that pays about ₹1 crore per year
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Match Fees and Domestic Cricket: Earnings from playing for Hyderabad and representing India
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Brand Endorsements: Tilak has endorsement deals with well-known brands such as Boost, Dream11, SS (Sareen Sports), and eBikeGo
Tilak has used his earnings wisely. He owns a beautiful multistorey house in Hyderabad’s Chandrayan Gutta area, where he lives with his family. He also owns a Mercedes Benz S-Class and a BMW 7 Series, reflecting his love for luxury cars. Despite his growing wealth, those who know Tilak say he remains humble and grounded, always remembering the sacrifices his family made to help him succeed.
Conclusion
Tilak Varma’s journey is a shining example of how talent, hard work, and family support can turn dreams into reality. From a young boy playing tennis-ball cricket in Hyderabad to becoming an international cricket star, Tilak has come a long way in a short time. His father’s long shifts as an electrician, his mother’s constant encouragement, and his coach’s dedication have all shaped his remarkable story.
With back-to-back T20I centuries, a rising IPL career, and growing financial success, Tilak Varma has already achieved more than most cricketers his age. Yet he remains focused on his ultimate goal: to become one of the best players in the world and help India win major tournaments, including the World Cup. If his journey so far is any indication, the future of Indian cricket looks bright with Tilak Varma leading the charge.