Tilak Varma has agreed to a short-term contract with Hampshire
Tilak Varma has agreed to a short-term contract with Hampshire
After Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Verma ready to play County Cricket. Indian cricketer Tilak Varma has been approached by Hampshire to play in the County Championship.
Indian batter Tilak Varma has signed a short-term contract with Hampshire, set to play four County Championship matches in June and July. The 22-year-old, known for his performances in ODIs and T20Is, has impressed with Mumbai Indians in the IPL but has limited red-ball experience, having played just 18 first-class matches. Despite this, he has shown promise, scoring five centuries in the format, including one for India A against New Zealand A, and averaging 50.16.
Hampshire, currently seventh in Division One after an inconsistent start to the season, hope Tilak’s arrival strengthens their batting lineup, especially after the departure of James Vince from red-ball cricket. His first game will be against Essex at Chelmsford on June 22.
Hampshire initially wanted Dewald Brevis for two matches in June, but he will be part of South Africa’s Test squad in Zimbabwe instead. Brevis, along with Lhuan-dre Pretorius, will also miss the second half of the T20 Blast group stage due to national team call-ups. Hampshire’s director of cricket, Giles White, has confirmed they are in advanced discussions to find replacements.
Tilak, however, will not be playing in the Blast, as the BCCI prohibits active Indian male players from participating in overseas T20 leagues.
Tilak joins a small group of Indian players playing in the County Championship this season. Ruturaj Gaikwad is set to play for Yorkshire in the second half of the summer, while Yuzvendra Chahal is returning to Northamptonshire later this month.
Hampshire has yet to officially announce Tilak’s signing, but his home team, Hyderabad Cricket Association, wished him success, stating: "The Hyderabad Cricket Association wishes him a great stint with Hampshire County."
A promising opportunity for Tilak, this stint could be a stepping stone to developing his red-ball game further on English pitches.