Published By: Sayan Guha

IND vs. SA T20I: Tilak Varma Joins the T20 Elite- India’s Second Youngest Centurion Sparks Victory in Centurion! Meet the Others

As Tilak Varma smashes his way to a maiden T20I hundred, we look at the youngest Indians to score centuries and etch their names in cricketing history

What a night in Centurion! Few could have predicted what happened when Tilak Varma stepped into the crease following Sanju Samson's early exit. But Varma, at just 21 years and 292 days old, delivered a knock for the ages, scoring his first T20I century and being the second-youngest Indian to do so. His scorching 107 off 56 balls, which included eight boundaries and seven sixes, helped India score an astounding 219/6.

Varma's innings was as much a lesson in resilience as it was about power-hitting. Batting under pressure after India lost an early wicket, he combined with Abhishek Sharma to form a substantial 107-run partnership that restored India's lead. The Proteas bowlers, headed by Keshav Maharaj, attempted to fight back, but Tilak's daring strokeplay brought them to their knees.

Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, and Arshdeep Singh all contributed with the ball, making significant breakthroughs against South Africa. While Heinrich Klaasen (41) and Marco Jansen  (54)  threatened to turn the tables with aggressive cameos, India's bowlers stood firm. In the end, South Africa scored 208/7, falling 11 runs short in an exciting conclusion.

In this century, Varma positioned India in command and joined an elite group of young Indian centurions in T20 cricket. Let's take a closer look at the other Indian young talents who reached this milestone.

Young and fearless: India’s T20 centurion club

Yashasvi Jaiswal – 21 years, 279 days

Yashasvi Jaiswal is the youngest on the list, and his rapid ascent in Indian cricket has been nothing short of remarkable. in 21 years and 279 days old, he struck a century against Nepal in the Asian Games 2023. Jaiswal, known for his aggressive approach and thirst for huge runs, has made headlines since his debut, whether for his record-breaking IPL half-century or his long Test innings in Dominica.

In Hangzhou, against Nepal, Jaiswal exhibited his skill by hitting a century on a pitch that resembled Mumbai's diminutive maidans. His 100 was the cornerstone of India's victory as they advanced to the semi-finals.

Shubman Gill – 23 years, 146 days

Then there's Shubman Gill, Indian cricket's golden kid. He scored an unabated 126 against New Zealand in Ahmedabad earlier this year, despite being only 23 years and 146 days old. This wasn't just any century; it came as part of an innings in which India defeated the Kiwis (66 all out) by 168 runs, setting a new T20I record between two Full-Member sides.

Gill's century demonstrated his talent for big events. Known for his class and timing, he has quickly established himself as a fixture throughout forms. 

Suresh Raina – 23 years, 156 days

Suresh Raina is a name that does not need an introduction. Raina was India's first T20I centurion, and he pioneered the technique of power-hitting for the country. At the age of 23 years and 156 days, he scored a spectacular 101 against South Africa in the 2010 ICC World T20.

Raina's path to the century was not simple. He started cautiously, labouring against short-pitched bowling, but quickly found his stride, scoring 101 off 59 balls. His knock, highlighted by devastating smashes all over the ground, allowing India to win by 14 runs. 

As we celebrate Tilak's tremendous feat, it's apparent that Indian cricket is in capable hands. Varma's knock was a statement, demonstrating that India's youthful talent pool is deep and bright. With players like him, Jaiswal, and Gill at the helm, Indian fans can expect many more unforgettable evenings of T20 cricket.