India’s rising star Tilak Varma defied medical expectations by returning to competitive cricket ahead of the T20 World Cup, crediting the BCCI’s support system for his rapid recovery. The young all-rounder shone in Wednesday’s warm-up clash against South Africa at DY Patil Stadium, where a sea of fans cheered his every move.
Reflecting on his unexpected return, Varma said, ‘Honestly, I didn’t expect to be playing so soon. A huge thanks to the Center of Excellence and BCCI – they’ve made my World Cup dream a reality sooner than I imagined.’ The crowd’s ‘Tilak-Tilak’ chants during his entry ignited his passion, turning a routine warm-up into a memorable spectacle.
Batting first, India unleashed mayhem. Openers Ishan Kishan (53 off 20) and Abhishek Sharma raced to 80/1 in six overs before retiring strategically. Varma then smashed 45 off 19, complementing Suryakumar Yadav in a 66-run blitz. Axar Patel and Rinku Singh provided stability, but Hardik Pandya’s 30 off 10 balls catapulted India to 240/5.
South Africa’s reply crumbled early with Arshdeep Singh dismissing George Linde for zero. A 65-run stand between Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton offered hope, but the collapse followed – Markram retired, followed by swift falls of Brevis, Rickelton, and David Miller. Lower-order resistance from Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, and Marco Jansen couldn’t bridge the 30-run gap.
Inspired by his teammates’ fearless approach, Varma noted the team’s unity and readiness. ‘The vibe in the camp is unbeatable, and that packed stadium for a warm-up shows the fans’ passion.’ As India gears up for the USA on Saturday, Varma’s comeback symbolizes the squad’s resilience and depth.