- Full Name: Namboori Thakur Tilak Varma
- Nickname: TV, Tilak
- Date of Birth: November 8, 2002
- Age: 22 years (as of April 2025)
- Place of Birth: Hyderabad, Telangana, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Religion: Hinduism
- Profession: Professional Cricketer
- Batting Style: Left-handed
- Bowling Style: Right-arm off-break
- Role in Team: Middle-order Batsman (Part-time Bowler)
- Net Worth: Estimated ₹8-10 crore (as of 2025)
Early Life & Background
Tilak Varma was born in Hyderabad into a modest but industrious family. His mother, Gayatri Devi, is a stay-at-home mom, while his father, Namboori Nagaraju, was an electrician. From an early age, Tilak’s love for cricket was apparent despite his limited resources. Coach Salam Bayash noticed his natural talent when he began playing cricket in his neighbourhood with a tennis ball.
Tilak’s life was greatly impacted by Coach Bayash, who provided funding for his schooling, training, and equipment. At the Legala Cricket Academy in Lingampally, Tilak received intense training that helped him hone his abilities and become a superb left-handed batter.
Domestic Career
At the age of sixteen, Tilak Varma made his first-class debut for Hyderabad in the 2018–19 Ranji Trophy. His technique, demeanour, and stroke play made an impression right away.
During the 2021–22 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he made ripples in domestic Twenty20 cricket by becoming Hyderabad’s second-highest run-scorer with 215 runs in seven innings at an impressive pace of 147.26.
With five hundreds and an average of around fifty, Tilak has been a reliable performer for Hyderabad in List A cricket, demonstrating his versatility in all formats.
IPL Journey
The Mumbai Indians (MI) paid ₹1.7 crore to acquire Tilak Varma at the 2022 IPL auction. He demonstrated maturity above his years, even though he was a novice.
2022 Season: 397 runs in 14 matches
- Average: 36.09
- Strike Rate: 131.02
2023 Season: 343 runs
- Average: 42.87
- Strike Rate: 164.11
Cricket greats praised his aggressive yet calm batting style, which established him as one of MI’s key players going forward.
International Career
Tilak Varma’s IPL achievements accelerated his assimilation into the Indian national team.
- T20I Debut: August 3, 2023, vs West Indies: In international cricket, he made an instant impression by hitting sixes on just his second and third deliveries.
- ODI Debut: He joined the ODI team shortly after making his T20 debut, and he has since established himself as a mainstay in India’s white-ball strategy.
- Historic Feat (2024): Tilak became the first cricket player to score three consecutive hundreds in T20 internationals in November 2024, making history. His reputation as one of cricket’s best players was solidified by this incredible achievement.
Playing Style & Strengths
- Batting: A fashionable left-hander with a powerful underhand. He is quite good at draw shots, late cuts, and lofted drives.
- Temperament: Known for mature innings, calm under pressure.
- Fielding: Quick on the pitch, strong arm and capable at catching.
Off the Field
Tilak is renowned for having a grounded demeanour. He maintains his modesty in the face of recognition and IPL success, attributing his ascent to his coach and family. He likes to spend time with his family and teammates, watch cricket videos, and listen to music.
He also gives inspirational speeches to impoverished children, telling his own tale of overcoming hardship.
Personal Life
Tilak Varma was raised in Hyderabad, Telangana, in a modest and close-knit family. His mother, Gayatri Devi, is a stay-at-home mom, while his father, Namboori Nagaraju, is an electrician. Growing up in a financially modest environment, Tilak faced many challenges, but the unwavering support of his family and coach Salam Bayash helped him pursue his cricketing dreams. Tilak maintains his groundedness and cherishes his heritage despite his increasing recognition and notoriety. Both on and off the pitch, he is renowned for his composed manner, orderly lifestyle, and courteous demeanour. He is single and devoted to his cricket career as of 2025. Outside of cricket, Tilak likes to spend time with his loved ones, watch inspirational videos, play video games, and listen to Telugu and Hindi music. He demonstrates his dedication to giving back to the community by leading a modest lifestyle and frequently taking part in mentorship programs for budding cricket players and charity endeavours.
Future Outlook
Tilak Varma, who is only 22 years old, is being developed as an investment for Indian cricket in the long run, especially in white-ball formats. Tilak is regarded as one of India’s best young players because of his strong domestic basis, skill in Twenty20 cricket, and desire for large runs.