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Tilak Varma Joins Hampshire for Four-Game County Championship Stint
Indian T20 Star to Feature in Red-Ball Cricket for English County
In a significant move for both Indian cricket and county cricket enthusiasts, Hampshire County Cricket Club has officially announced the signing of Tilak Varma, one of India’s most promising young batters. The left-hander will represent Hampshire in the next four red-ball fixtures of the County Championship, starting with an away match against Essex from June 22 to 25 at Chelmsford.
This marks Tilak’s return to longer-format cricket, a space where the young batter has shown consistent promise through his domestic and India A performances.
A Boost for Hampshire’s County Campaign
Director of Cricket Excited About Tilak’s Inclusion
Giles White, Hampshire’s Director of Cricket, expressed excitement about the signing:
“It’s fantastic to have Tilak available for the next four County Championship matches. He’s an exciting talent who has already made a big impact on the international stage and in the IPL, and we look forward to seeing what he can do for Hampshire this summer.”
Currently sitting in seventh place in Division One of the County Championship, Hampshire are looking to build momentum mid-season. The club finished as runners-up in 2024, their best finish since 2005, and are hopeful that Tilak’s presence will strengthen their batting lineup.
Check Hampshire’s current County Championship stats and standings
Tilak Varma’s Red-Ball Credentials
While Tilak Varma is often celebrated for his T20 heroics, his red-ball résumé is equally compelling. In 18 first-class matches, the 21-year-old has amassed over 1,200 runs, averaging 50.16, with five centuries and four half-centuries.
He has previously featured in the Duleep Trophy, representing India A, and played in two unofficial Test matches against the England Lions earlier this year.
This stint in England’s county system will provide Tilak with valuable overseas experience and exposure to different playing conditions — an important step for any young batter eyeing a long-format future for India.
Tilak Varma’s Rise in T20 Cricket
IPL and International Achievements
Although this is a red-ball assignment, Tilak’s fame largely stems from his exploits in T20 cricket, especially in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and for the Indian national team.
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IPL Career (as of June 2025):
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Matches: 54
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Runs: ~1500
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Fifties: 8
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Average: 37.47
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Strike Rate: 144.41
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India T20I Stats:
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Matches: 25
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Runs: 749
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Centuries: 2 (both against South Africa in November 2024)
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Highest score: 72* vs England (Jan 2025)
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Average: 49.93 — currently the second-highest in men’s T20I history and the highest among full-member nations
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His consistent T20I performances have made him a vital asset in India’s limited-overs setup. However, this red-ball stint will be crucial in showcasing his adaptability and readiness for future Test selection.
For official player stats, visit Tilak Varma’s profile on ESPNcricinfo
Upcoming Fixtures Featuring Tilak Varma
Hampshire fans can look forward to watching Tilak Varma in the following County Championship fixtures:
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Essex vs Hampshire – Chelmsford (June 22–25)
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Hampshire vs Worcestershire – Home (June 29–July 2)
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Hampshire’s third match – Fixture to be announced
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Hampshire’s fourth match – Fixture to be announced
This stint could be a game-changer for Hampshire, especially as they look to climb up the Division One standings.
The inclusion of Tilak Varma is a statement of intent from Hampshire County Cricket Club, showing their commitment to strengthening their squad with emerging global talent. For Tilak, this is more than just a stint abroad — it’s an opportunity to prove himself in a challenging red-ball setting and build a case for higher honors in Test cricket.
Follow Tilak Varma’s County journey and future India selections here
