Published By: Sanchari Das

IND vs. ENG T20I: Three in a Row? Tilak Verma Eyes THIS Unprecedented T20I Milestone

At just 22, Tilak Verma's explosive batting and hunger for records are redefining T20I cricket as he sets his sights on yet another historic milestone

Tilak Verma has taken the cricketing world by storm with his sensational T20I performances. The 22-year-old left-hander has the opportunity to create a historic milestone during the first T20I against England at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. With two back-to-back centuries against South Africa in 2024, Tilak stands on the cusp of becoming the first-ever player to score three consecutive centuries in T20I cricket. His meteoric rise has already cemented him as one of India's brightest prospects in the shortest format.

A turning point in South Africa

November was a game-changer for Tilak Verma in India's T20I series against South Africa. After several underwhelming knocks in the first two matches, Tilak boldly requested skipper Suryakumar Yadav to let him bat at number three. It wasn't just a change in the batting order—it was a chance to shine. Suryakumar, ever the team player, shifted himself to number four, giving the youngster the perfect platform to deliver. And deliver he did, smashing back-to-back centuries that powered India to a commanding 3-1 series win.

The first century

Tilak's maiden T20I hundred came against South Africa at SuperSport Park, Centurion. Batting at number three, he crafted a match-winning unbeaten 107 off just 56 balls. His innings were laced with 8 fours and 7 sixes, showcasing his effortless ability to find boundaries. This knock powered India to a formidable total of 219/6. Tilak's brilliance was pivotal in India's 11-run victory, earning him the Player of the Match award. His partnership with Abhishek Sharma (50 off 25 balls) demonstrated his ability to anchor and accelerate as needed.

The second century

Tilak delivered another stellar performance at the Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, just days later. He smashed an unbeaten 120 off 47 balls, becoming only the second Indian to score consecutive T20I centuries. His breathtaking knock included 10 sixes and 9 fours. Partnering with Sanju Samson, who also scored a century, Tilak helped India post a mammoth 283/1, their second-highest T20I total ever. This extraordinary effort resulted in a 135-run victory, sealing India's 3-1 series win against South Africa under Suryakumar Yadav's leadership.

Dominance in Indian conditions

Tilak has shown a knack for excelling on home turf. During the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he led Hyderabad to victory with a blistering 151 against Meghalaya. His innings, featuring 14 fours and 10 sixes, broke records, making him the first Indian to score 150+ in a T20 match. This knock also surpassed Shreyas Iyer's previous record of 147 in the tournament. With an average of 51.3 and a strike rate of 161.2 in T20Is, Tilak has proven to be a consistent performer, particularly on Indian pitches.

A look at Tilak Verma's overall T20I stats

Since his debut in 2023, Tilak has played 20 T20I matches, amassing 616 runs at an average of 51.3 and a staggering strike rate of 161.2. These numbers underscore his ability to adapt and dominate in varying conditions. His tally includes two centuries, both achieved under pressure against a formidable South African bowling attack.

Eyes on a historic feat

As Tilak steps onto the Eden Gardens pitch, the cricketing world waits with bated breath. A third consecutive T20I century would not only etch his name in the record books but also signal the arrival of a new global cricketing superstar. With his ability to thrive under pressure, Tilak has already demonstrated that he has the temperament and skill to shine on the biggest stages.

With star names like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant focusing on the longer formats, Tilak has an open road to cement his place in the T20I squad. This England series isn't just another set of matches—it's his moment to prove he's here to stay. The stage is set, and the southpaw looks ready to own it.