Mumbai Indians

From crisis to class, our very own Tilak Varma took on the charge.

Calm and composed on the crease during the fight,

He batted for his side with all his might. 

Eight first class centuries and counting still,

TV showed his patience, temperament and skill.

When wickets fell at the other end…yes pressure grew,

But youngster Tilak knew exactly what to do.

He built his innings strong and grand,

Collecting runs one ball at a time.

When the big moment came, it was his time to shine…

Indeed, a captain’s century crafted in time.

Walking in at number four, Tilak Varma had a job in hand…to get as many runs as possible for his side South Zone on day two of the Duleep Trophy semi-final 2026. The pressure looked real, wickets kept tumbling and before one knew, South Zone were reduced to 80/5 in 30.4 overs chasing a target of 195 which was already set by opponents North Zone.

When the team needed him the most, leader Tilak stood tall, took on the responsibility and what followed was a knock of high caliber. He assessed the conditions well, took his time…settled down and then played his shots. Every run was earned while every partnership he stitched mattered. Cool, calm and composed under pressure he made the bowlers rethink their gameplan. He displayed some outstanding shots, while boundaries came after he reached his half century. TV’s statement knock earned him a standing ovation from the dressing room.

His decision-making skills stood out and the willingness to stay at the crease, session after session earned him a lot of praise. He kept boosting the confidence of his partners at the other end and was involved in a crucial 175 runs partnership along with Shreyas Gopal. He reached his century in style with a four, playing a flick shot down leg side which came off a Gurnoor Brar delivery.

He led from the front with the bat and played in a brilliant manner bringing up his eighth first class century, ending the day at 106*(225) which included seven fours. Tilak’s knock was not about flashy numbers; it was all about temperament to thrive when the game demanded it the most.