Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has sparked a wave of admiration and debate after comparing rising star Tilak Varma to Virat Kohli, following Varma’s heroic performance in India’s Super 4 clash against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025. The left-handed batter played a sensational innings under pressure, scoring 78 off 52 balls and anchoring India’s chase in a high-stakes encounter at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Pathan, speaking on Star Sports post-match, said, “Tilak Varma reminds me of a young Virat Kohli—the hunger, the temperament, the ability to absorb pressure and deliver when it matters. He’s not just talented, he’s mentally ready for the big stage.”
The statement has ignited social media, with fans and pundits echoing Pathan’s praise and hailing Varma as India’s next batting superstar. The 22-year-old, who made his international debut just last year, has already impressed in T20Is and now seems poised to become a mainstay in India’s ODI setup.
India vs Pakistan – Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 Match Summary
| Match Details | India Innings | Pakistan Innings | Result | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Venue | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | 168/4 in 19.3 overs | 165/7 in 20 overs | India won by 6 wickets |
| Top Scorer (India) | Tilak Varma – 78 (52) | Babar Azam – 61 (45) | ||
| Best Bowler (India) | Kuldeep Yadav – 3/28 | Shaheen Afridi – 2/34 | ||
| Player of the Match | Tilak Varma | For match-winning knock |
Varma’s innings was a blend of composure and aggression. Coming in at 34/2 after Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill fell early, he stitched a crucial 84-run partnership with Suryakumar Yadav and then finished the chase with a flurry of boundaries. His ability to rotate strike and accelerate when needed drew comparisons to Kohli’s early years, especially his 2012 knock against Pakistan in Dhaka.
Tilak Varma – Asia Cup 2025 Performance Snapshot
| Match | Runs Scored | Balls Faced | Strike Rate | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| vs Pakistan | 78 | 52 | 150.00 | India won |
| vs Bangladesh | 42 | 36 | 116.67 | India won |
| vs Sri Lanka | 33 | 28 | 117.85 | India won |
Pathan’s comparison was not just about numbers—it was about attitude. “He walks in with confidence, he owns the moment. That’s what Kohli did when he was 22. Tilak is showing similar signs,” Pathan added.
Social media platforms erupted with praise, with hashtags like #TilakVarma, #NextKohli, and #AsiaCupHero trending across cricket communities. Fans hailed Varma’s maturity, while former cricketers like Yuvraj Singh and Gautam Gambhir also lauded his temperament and technique.
Public Sentiment – Social Media Buzz on Tilak Varma’s Knock
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 2.4M mentions | 88% supportive | #TilakVarma #NextKohli |
| 2.1M interactions | 85% inspired | #AsiaCupHero #IndiaVsPakistan | |
| 1.9M views | 90% celebratory | #TilakTime #CricketIndia | |
| YouTube | 1.7M views | 87% analytical | #TilakExplained #IndVsPak2025 |
Varma’s rise is being seen as a result of India’s revamped domestic structure and IPL exposure. Having played for Sunrisers Hyderabad, he has faced world-class bowlers and pressure situations, which have prepared him for international cricket.
Experts believe Varma could be India’s long-term No. 4 in ODIs, a position that has seen frequent changes since Yuvraj Singh’s retirement. His ability to play spin, pace, and adapt to match situations makes him a versatile asset.
Tilak Varma vs Virat Kohli – Early Career Comparison
| Metric | Tilak Varma (First 10 ODIs) | Virat Kohli (First 10 ODIs) |
|---|---|---|
| Runs Scored | 412 | 373 |
| Average | 51.50 | 41.44 |
| Strike Rate | 92.30 | 85.60 |
| Fifties | 4 | 3 |
| Match-Winning Knocks | 3 | 2 |
While Kohli went on to become one of the greatest batters of all time, Varma’s trajectory is just beginning. But the signs are promising, and with mentors like Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma backing him, the future looks bright.
India’s win over Pakistan also secured their place in the Asia Cup final, where they will face Sri Lanka. Varma is expected to retain his spot, and fans are eager to see if he can deliver another match-winning performance.
As the cricketing world watches closely, Tilak Varma’s journey from domestic prodigy to international match-winner is inspiring a new generation. And if Irfan Pathan’s words are anything to go by, India may have found its next batting icon.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available match data, verified sports commentary, and expert analysis. It does not constitute team selection advice or endorsement. All quotes are attributed to public figures and institutions as per coverage. The content is intended for editorial and informational purposes only.
