Hampshire confirm signing of star Indian batter for County Championship stint

Hampshire County Cricket Club has confirmed the signing of India’s young batting talent Tilak Varma for a brief County Championship spell. The 22-year-old left-hander will be available for four red-ball matches during the ongoing season.

Tilak will make his debut for Hampshire in their away fixture against Essex at Chelmsford, scheduled from June 22 to 25. He is also set to make his home appearance shortly after when Hampshire face Worcestershire from June 29 to July 2.

The rising Indian star has played four ODIs and 25 T20Is for India, building a strong reputation in white-ball cricket with standout performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and international matches. Representing Mumbai Indians since 2022, Varma has scored nearly 1,500 runs in 54 IPL matches, averaging 37.47 with a strike rate of 144.41.

In T20Is, Tilak has scored 749 runs at an impressive average of 49.93, the second-highest among all men’s cricketers globally and the highest among players from ICC full-member nations. His recent international highlights include back-to-back centuries against South Africa in November 2024 and an unbeaten 72 against England earlier this year.

Tilak also has solid first-class credentials, with over 1,200 runs in 18 matches at an average of 58.76, including five centuries and four fifties. He has been part of India A squads in the Duleep Trophy and featured in fixtures against the England Lions in early 2025.

Currently seventh in Division One, Hampshire will be hoping Tilak Varma’s presence adds depth and momentum to their campaign as they aim to climb the table after finishing second last season — their best finish since 2005.