Tilak Varma’s meteoric rise in the ICC T20I rankings for men’s batters is one of the most thrilling developments in Indian cricket over the past few months. On November 20, 2024, he made an extraordinary leap, climbing 69 places to secure the No. 3 position in the ICC T20I rankings for batters. This remarkable surge places him as the highest-ranked Indian T20I batter, overtaking his captain, Suryakumar Yadav, who now occupies the No. 4 spot. Tilak’s ascent is made even more impressive by the fact that he is now only behind Australia’s Travis Head and England’s Phil Salt, both of whom are well-established figures in T20I cricket.
This major leap in the rankings is a direct result of Tilak Varma’s incredible performances in India’s dominant T20I series win over South Africa in November 2024. Tilak’s performances were nothing short of spectacular, as he scored two remarkable centuries during the series, cementing his status as one of the brightest young talents in world cricket. His ability to score heavily in challenging conditions against a quality side like South Africa demonstrates his maturity and skill in the T20I format, and the ranking surge is a fitting reward for his consistent brilliance. Breaking into the top 10 for the first time in his T20I career is a major milestone for Tilak, whose early promise has now been fully realized on the international stage. With his performances, he has proven that he belongs among the best in the world and that his future in Indian cricket is incredibly bright.
In addition to his individual rise, Tilak’s ascension to the top ranks comes at an interesting time for Indian cricket, as it highlights the growing depth and competition within the team. Suryakumar Yadav, who was once the No. 1 T20I batter earlier this year, has slipped to No. 4 in the rankings. However, despite his personal setback, Yadav’s response has been nothing short of exemplary. Known for his extraordinary skill and consistency, Suryakumar has shown an incredible level of sportsmanship and selflessness. He made the mature decision to sacrifice his No. 3 spot in the rankings to make room for Tilak, understanding that the young batter’s form and confidence needed to be nurtured. This decision by Suryakumar speaks volumes about the camaraderie within the Indian dressing room, where the collective success of the team is always prioritized over individual milestones.
Suryakumar’s willingness to take a backseat for the good of the team reflects his leadership qualities, and this selflessness will surely motivate the younger players to follow in his footsteps. Despite his personal slip in the rankings, Yadav’s leadership and experience continue to be invaluable to the team, and he remains one of the most important players in India’s T20I lineup. With Tilak Varma now firmly established as one of India’s top batting talents, the team has a bright future ahead, not only in T20Is but across all formats. Suryakumar’s example is a testament to his maturity as a player and a leader, and his impact on the team cannot be overstated.
Alongside Tilak’s success, another key player in the Indian squad who has been making waves is Sanju Samson. Samson, who also hit two brilliant centuries in the series against South Africa, has been in outstanding form and has earned a notable rise in the T20I rankings. Climbing 17 spots to No. 22, Samson’s recent performances highlight his growing consistency and ability to deliver under pressure. After waiting five years to score his first T20I century, Samson has now managed to hit three in his last five innings, marking a stunning transformation in his batting approach. This surge in form has coincided with increased backing from both his captain, Suryakumar Yadav, and coach Gautam Gambhir, who have shown a great deal of faith in him. Samson’s ability to perform consistently in the shortest format of the game makes him a key player in India’s T20I setup moving forward.
India’s T20I series against South Africa in 2024 has not only been a resounding success for the team but also a showcase of individual brilliance from multiple players. The team’s commanding 3-1 series victory highlighted their strength in depth, with multiple batters stepping up to deliver match-winning performances. The series finale was particularly memorable, as India posted an impressive 283 runs, with centuries from both Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma. This partnership for the second wicket, which totaled 210 runs, was one of the most dominant displays of batting seen in recent T20I cricket. India’s ability to break multiple records during the series speaks to their growing strength as a team in the T20I format.
One of the most encouraging aspects of this series win was the growing confidence in the younger players, particularly Tilak Varma, who is now seen as a future star for India. Captain Suryakumar Yadav, who played a key role in helping Tilak find his footing, revealed that Tilak had approached him before the series and asked if he could bat at No. 3. Suryakumar, understanding the potential in his young teammate, gave him the green light to take the spot, and Tilak’s performances more than justified that trust. It was a conversation that showed both the maturity of Tilak and the leadership qualities of Suryakumar. The fact that Tilak has now been confirmed as India’s permanent No. 3 speaks to the trust and belief that the team has in his abilities.
India’s success in T20Is in 2024 has been driven by the contributions of these key players, and the team’s dominance in the format is evident from their record-breaking performances and strong individual rankings. With players like Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Sanju Samson performing at such a high level, India’s future in T20I cricket looks incredibly promising. The team has now firmly established itself as one of the most powerful forces in world cricket, and with the support of experienced players like Suryakumar Yadav and the emergence of younger stars like Tilak, the Indian team is poised to continue its dominance in the T20I format for years to come. The rise of Tilak Varma, in particular, signals a new era for Indian cricket, and his performances have firmly placed him on the world map as one of the most exciting young talents in the game today.
