![Tilak Varma backed to lead an IPL team [Source: AP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1776751117486_TilakVarmaIPLcaptain.jpg?type=hq)
Tilak Varma backed to lead an IPL team [Source: AP]
Promising Indian batter Tilak Varma had a memorable outing in Mumbai Indians' latest IPL 2026 clash against Gujarat Titans. Coming at number five, Tilak hammered a belligerent 45-ball 101, playing a pivotal role in MI's second victory of the season.
His sensational century powered the five-time champions to a respectable total of 199 runs in 20 overs. In response, the Titans were bowled out for a paltry 100-run total, registering their biggest margin of defeat (by runs) in IPL.
Tilak Varma's batting exploits powers Mumbai Indians to clinical win
After losing the toss and being put into bat first, Mumbai Indians lost three early wickets, with Kagiso Rabada dismantling their top order with sheer pace and accuracy.
The South African speedster dismissed debutant Danish Malewar and his opening partner Quinton de Kock before castling Suryakumar Yadav with an absolute ripper.
Tilak Varma entered the middle, with Mumbai Indians tottering at 44 for three in 5.5 overs. Although he looked a bit scratchy in the first few deliveries, the southpaw switched gears as the game progressed and smashed a stunning century for his team.
He belted 101 unbeaten runs with the help of eight boundaries and seven sixes, propelling the tourists to 199 for five in 20 overs.
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In reply, Gujarat Titans lost the reliable trio of Shubman Gill, B Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler and never recovered from the early batting collapse. The home side was eventually bundled out for 100 runs, with Ashwani Kumar emerging as MI's wrecker-in-chief with the ball with a clinical four-wicket haul.
Aakash Chopra backs Tilak Varma to lead in IPL in future
Following Tilak Varma's stellar performance against Gujarat Titans, former Indian cricketer and renowned commentator Aakash Chopra backed the southpaw to lead an IPL team in future.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra reckoned that Tilak could soon be appointed as the captain of an IPL team two years down the line.
Chopra seemed impressed by Tilak's big-match temperament and ability to deliver under pressure.
Notably, the left-handed batter showcased nerves of steel and ensured India's historic Asia Cup triumph despite a similar batting collapse in the all-important final against Pakistan. His knack for stepping up when the chips are down signifies his ability to lead from the front.
Therefore, the reputed cricket analyst senses Tilak has remarkable leadership potential, and his rising brand value could establish him as a prominent captaincy candidate in the IPL in future.
"Tilak Varma defeated the Gujarat Titans by one run. He scored 101, and the entire Gujarat team collapsed for 100. I feel the day is not far when he will captain an IPL franchise," Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
"You might wonder how someone can become the captain by playing one inning, but two years from now, and it might happen earlier than that, Tilak Varma will be leading an IPL franchise. That is my understanding. I can explain it more at that time," he added.
Has Tilak Varma captained in IPL?
It's worth noting that Tilak Varma hasn't captained an IPL team in his career. He has played 60 matches for the Mumbai Indians under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya, scoring 1643 runs at an average of 36.51 and a strike rate of 147.35.
Interestingly, Tilak has never captained the team in Youth ODIs as well. He has played 23 matches under the captaincy of Priyam Garg, Dhruv Jurel and Shubhang Hegde.
However, Tilak has been associated with influential players like Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya in the Mumbai Indians camp for quite some time now.
His long-term association with these astute tacticians must've scaffolded his leadership potential, which he would like to exhibit if one of the IPL teams appoints him as its captain going forward.
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