T20 World Cup 2026: Irfan Pathan has a special advice for Tilak Varma
Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has made a bold assessment of Tilak Varma’s importance to India’s plans ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. Pathan believes that Tilak’s role in the current T20I setup mirrors the responsibility once shouldered by Virat Kohli, emphasizing that the young batter could become a key pillar for the team at the marquee tournament. According to Pathan, Tilak’s calm temperament, ability to control the middle overs, and knack for scoring runs under pressure make him a vital asset as India shape their core group for the future.
Tilak Varma will play a crucial role for India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Drawing a comparison with Kohli highlights the level of trust and expectation being placed on Tilak. Kohli remains the most prolific run-scorer in T20 World Cup history, having accumulated an incredible 1,292 runs in just 35 matches. His consistency is reflected in an outstanding average of 58.92, along with 15 half-centuries on the biggest stage. Kohli’s impact went beyond numbers, as he twice won the Player of the Tournament award and consistently delivered in high-pressure games. He eventually signed off from T20 internationals after leading India to the T20 World Cup triumph in 2024, leaving behind a legacy that Tilak is now being tipped to help carry forward.
Irfan Pathan believes that Tilak Varma has firmly established himself as one of the most vital components of India’s T20I setup, citing his ability to deliver when the stakes are highest. Pathan highlighted Tilak’s calm and composed performance in the Asia Cup 2025 final as clear evidence of his growing importance to the team. According to him, the left-hander showed maturity beyond his years, handling pressure with confidence and playing a decisive role on a big stage, much like seasoned match-winners.
Pathan further feels that Tilak possesses the temperament and skill set required to produce a truly match-defining innings for India in a global tournament. He drew parallels with Virat Kohli’s iconic knock in the 2024 T20 World Cup final, suggesting that Tilak has the potential to script a similar moment in the future. Such performances, Pathan believes, could define Tilak’s career and make him a cornerstone of India’s T20 plans going forward.
"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," former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan stated.
"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," he added.
Irfan Pathan emphasized that Tilak Varma will play a decisive role in shaping India’s fortunes, particularly because many of the other batters in the T20I lineup rely on a high-risk approach that does not always guarantee consistency. According to Pathan, while aggressive intent is important in modern T20 cricket, a dependable batter who can absorb pressure and build an innings is equally vital. Tilak, he feels, brings that much-needed sense of stability to the batting order, allowing others to play freely around him.
Pathan backed his assessment by pointing to Tilak’s outstanding run in T20 internationals during 2025. The left-hander enjoyed a breakthrough year, scoring 567 runs in 20 matches at an impressive average of 47.25, which included four half-centuries. These consistent performances helped Tilak rise to No. 3 in the ICC T20I rankings, underlining his growing stature in international cricket. Pathan also noted that Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav’s recent struggles with form further elevate Tilak’s importance in the team setup. With increased responsibility, Tilak will be expected to anchor the innings and provide assurance in pressure situations. As India begin their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against the USA in Mumbai on February 7, Tilak’s role could prove pivotal to their success.
"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,” Pathan concluded.
