India ‘s T20 vice-captain Tilak Varma has made his intentions clear about red-ball cricket, insisting that the longer format remains the strongest part of his game. While Tilak Varma‘s rise in white-ball cricket has made him an important name for India, the 23-year old batter believes that his foundation was built through years of playing first-class cricket.
Tilak Varma cherishes playing red-ball cricket
Tilak Varma produced a match-winning performance against North Zone in the Duleep Trophy 2026 semi-final, scoring an unbeaten 116 and 51 across the two innings to guide South Zone to a seven-wicket victory. The performances were particularly significant because Tilak has had limited opportunities to play domestic red-ball cricket in recent seasons due to his international commitments.
Despite becoming a regular name in India’s white-ball setup, he continue to view Test cricket as an important part of his career. Speaking after the game, Tilak Varma explained his preference for the longer format, saying:
” I have always loved to play red-ball cricket, and I have never dreamt of playing white- ball formats for India, but that’s God’s plan. I have debuted in T20s and ODIs for India, but my strength has always been red-ball cricket,’
Tilak’s first-class numbers also underline his confidence in the format. Representing Hyderabad in domestic cricket, he has maintained an impressive 55.77 batting average, scoring 1,729 runs in 24 matches, including eight centuries and six fifties.
International Schedule Makes Red-Ball Cricket Difficult for Tilak VarmaÂ
Although Tilak has already featured in 59 T20Is and five ODIs, he believes his white-ball career should not define his overall cricketing identity. According to the batter, his development has involved years of hard work in red-ball cricket, beginning from a young age.
He said:
” I have worked hard, no one has seen it, maybe since I was 10 years old, and now I am 23. I got selected to white-ball formats due to the IPL. But before that I have ground a lot in red-ball cricket. So, it’s always my strength and I love playing Test cricket, Something that’s always there in my blood.”
Tilak also admitted that the packed international calendar has made it difficult to get enough domestic opportunities in the longest format. He revealed that he has been trying to balance his international responsibilities with his desire to play more first-class cricket.
” For my country, right now, I am available for T20s and ODIs, but I love to play red-ball cricket because in the last three-four years I was trying to play the Ranji Trophy.”
He added:
”But I am not getting the time because I have an international schedule. So, I am trying to play as much red-ball cricket because I want to score there and come to the Indian side as well,”
Tilak Varma’s red ball strength a boost for India
Tilak’s strong Duleep Trophy outing has once again highlighted his ability to perform in demanding red-ball conditions. With South Zone set to face East Zone in the Duleep Trophy 2026 final on September 6, the young batter will have another opportunity to strengthen his case as a future Test prospect. For Tilak Varma, the goal is not simply to add more runs to his domestic record but to remain connected with the format he considers his natural strength. His recent performances suggest that despite his success in T20Is and ODIs, red-ball cricket continues to hold a special place in his ambitions.
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