Azharuddin backs Tilak Varma for India Test spot after Christchurch heroics

Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin has echoed Rohit Sharma’s earlier endorsement of Tilak Varma, calling for the young batsman to be given a chance in Test cricket after his match-winning performance against New Zealand in Christchurch.

Long-standing endorsement

Rohit Sharma had identified Varma as a future all-format player for India even before the Hyderabad-born cricketer turned 20. The left-handed batsman has since built an impressive record in the Indian Premier League for Mumbai Indians and established himself as a key member of India’s T20 batting line-up.

Varma, who also bowls useful off-spin, has scored nearly 1,900 runs in 72 T20 internationals at an average of 44.13, with two centuries and 11 half-centuries.

Saturday’s heroics

In the second T20I at Christchurch on Saturday, Varma’s unbeaten 51 off 26 balls guided India to a four-wicket win and a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. Chasing 181, India were in trouble at 69 for four after 10.3 overs when Varma walked in. Two balls later, Axar Patel was dismissed, leaving India needing 111 runs from 54 balls with five wickets in hand.

Varma held the innings together, sharing valuable partnerships with Naman Dhir, who made 31 off 17 balls, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, who remained unbeaten on 26 off 13 deliveries. The win gave India a commanding lead in the series.

The middle-order batsman is known for blending stylish strokeplay with a solid temperament, allowing him to shift gears according to the match situation. His ability to absorb pressure in crucial moments has already earned him a place in India’s one-day international side.

Azharuddin’s backing

Azharuddin, one of India’s greatest Test batsmen, told ANI: “I am very happy with the way Tilak Varma has played. He is a very good player, and I sincerely hope and pray that he gets the opportunity to play Test cricket.”

“For me, Test cricket is the most important format, and I hope he goes on to represent India in Tests as well. He has been performing very well in T20 cricket, and I think he played a crucial role in ensuring India’s victory,” the former captain added.

Test credentials

Varma, who has played five ODIs, was not selected for the 50-over series against New Zealand that follows the T20Is. He is also not part of the Test squad for the two-match series against the Kiwis.

However, the 23-year-old’s first-class record for Hyderabad is impressive: 1,828 runs in 25 matches at an average of 57.12, with five centuries and seven half-centuries. With such numbers, Varma is likely to become a selection dilemma for India’s Test selectors in the near future.