Former Indian pace bowler Irfan Pathan has commented on Tilak Varma before the T20 World Cup 2026. Pathan said that Tilak’s role is equivalent to that of Virat Kohli in their T20I side, stating that his presence will be important in the mega event. However, Kohli is arguably the most prolific run-scorer in T20 World Cup history, smashing 1292 runs in 35 games, averaging 58.92, with 15 fifties. He, however, retired from the format after winning the trophy in 2024 as well.
Speaking in a recent video uploaded on his YouTube Channel ‘Irfan Pathan,’ he said, “Tilak Varma has batted at No. 3 and No. 4. He has absorbed pressure and hit hundreds. Tilak also played an outstanding knock against Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025 final and India wouldn’t have won if not for that innings. In that regard, Tilak has risen his stock exponentially. It’s the kind of role Virat Kohli used to play.”
“Kohli is a massive player and whenever there was pressure, he used to absorb it exceptionally well. He didn’t score in the entire T20 World Cup but people trusted him to come good in the final. Kohli played a knock that wasn’t as fiery but given the situation, it was critical. You wanted a player to be at the crease and score runs so that the Indian bowlers get that margin to take the game deep. They eventually got it. No doubt, the bowling deserves plenty of credit but that innings from Kohli came at the right time,” he further added.
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“The same way how Tilak Varma played in the final. India had lost three wickets in the powerplay and he backed his gameplan by taking calculated risks. Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube played some high-risk shots as India eventually won the final. If a player like that is not there, Sanju Samson, for instance, he is not a consistent run-getter. He will play fast but may not be consistent. Abhishek Sharma plays high-risk cricket and missed out in the Asia Cup 2025 final. Hence, bigger teams will plan better for him and there are higher chances to lose your wicket,” he again shared.
However, he also stated that Suryakumar Yadav being out of form makes it even more important for Tilak
Varma is to be on the side.
Pathan said: “Suryakumar Yadav is also out of form. Hardik Pandya will find himself alone and if the pitch grips, there is a different challenge. Rinku Singh is making a comeback. From the perspective of batting, Tilak Varma is extremely critical and he is the glue of the team. It will be a concern with what form Tilak plays in the T20 World Cup. The expectation is for him to be fit and return to his previous form.”
