Tilak Varma, who is the No. 3 batter in India, is experiencing one of his worst seasons in the T20 World Cup 2026. The challenges of the left handed continued during the Super Eights match against South Africa in Group A on February 22 which was played at Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad, where he was sent back after just one run.
Marco Jansen got the wicket of Tilak and Quinton de Kock made a brilliant catch behind the wickets. Tilak started down the track, and tried to run over Jansen in the middle of the field. The additional bounce was however vital, since the ball was to receive a slight advantage in passing through, enabling De Kock to carry out a fantastic catch.
The tournament has hardly reflected Tilak’s usual fluency. So far, his best effort remains 31 off 27 balls against the Netherlands. In the other three outings — against the United States, Namibia and Pakistan — he managed starts but failed to convert them into meaningful contributions. Overall, he has scored just 107 runs in five matches at an average of 21.40, well below his established standards.
At times, poor shot selection has cost him; at others, misfortune has played its part. Against the United States, he miscued a delivery from Shadley van Schalkwyk, and a fielder at midwicket completed the catch. Later, in the Namibia game, he attempted to drive a length ball but mistimed it, which handed the opposition a straightforward dismissal.
Saim Ayub trapped him on the rear leg after he missed a slog sweep against archrival Pakistan. In the final group-stage game against the Netherlands, he attempted to go downtown off a full and wide delivery, only for Roelof van der Merwe to move to his right and make a fine reverse-cupped catch.
Despite this dry spell, Tilak’s overall T20I record remains remarkable. In 44 appearances for India, he has 1289 runs at an average of 46.03. Notably, he has been extremely successful against South Africa, scoring 497 runs in 11 games at an average of 62.12, including two century and two half-centuries.
Tilak Varma’s scores in T20 World Cup 2026
| Match | Team | Score |
| Match No. 3 (Group Stage) | USA | 25 |
| Match No. 18 (Group Stage) | Namibia | 25 |
| Match No. 27 (Group Stage) | Pakistan | 25 |
| Match No. 36 (Group Stage) | Netherlands | 31 |
| Match No. 43 (Super Eight) | South Africa | 1 |
