Tilak Varma has once again underlined his red-ball credentials with a sublime century in England, strengthening his case for a maiden Test call-up. Representing Hampshire in the County Championship, the talented left-hander struck a composed 112 off 256 deliveries against Nottinghamshire at the Utilita Bowl.

His knock, laced with 13 boundaries and two sixes, showcased both grit and flair as he batted for nearly six hours to anchor his side’s innings. Facing a daunting first-innings total of 578 by Nottinghamshire—powered by LW James’ double hundred—Hampshire were under pressure when Tilak walked in at 111/2.

But the Hyderabad-born batter absorbed the pressure brilliantly, initially digging in before expanding his stroke play with precision. His technique against seam and spin alike stood out, and this ton marked his second in just three County appearances. He had earlier scored a debut hundred against Essex, followed by solid contributions of 56 and 47 against Worcestershire.

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The timing of Tilak’s purple patch couldn’t be better. Just a few hundred miles away, India’s Test side is grappling with middle-order instability in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England. With the visitors trailing 2-1 in the five-Test series and struggling again in Manchester, concerns about the lack of depth in India’s batting ranks have resurfaced.

Tilak Varma doing what he does best. The highlights of his classy century against Nottinghamshire pic.twitter.com/bjFDBo5zUB

— Rothesay County Championship (@CountyChamp) July 25, 2025

Former India opener Aakash Chopra recently voiced his concerns over squad composition. “With an 18-member squad, now 19 with Anshul Kamboj, you still don’t have a backup middle-order batter. That’s shocking,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel. He pointed out the overreliance on all-rounders like Shardul Thakur, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja.

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“Form can’t be your only selection criteria. India were clearly one batter short,” he added. With Rishabh Pant injured and uncertainty looming, Tilak Varma’s steady rise may soon get the reward it deserves.