“It’s the kind of role Virat Kohli used to play” - Irfan Pathan heaps praise on Tilak Varma

Former Indian all-rounder and commentator Irfan Pathan has revealed the reasons why Tilak Varma’s presence in the Indian squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 would be very important, adding that he would play a Virat Kohli-like role in the mega event.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Irfan has heaped praise on the Indian middle-order batter, stating that Tilak knows perfectly well how to absorb pressure exceptionally well, giving an instance of the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan.

"Tilak Varma has batted at No. 3 and No. 4. He has absorbed pressure and hit hundreds. Tilak also played an outstanding knock against Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025 final and India wouldn’t have won if not for that innings. In that regard, Tilak has risen his stock exponentially. It’s the kind of role Virat Kohli used to play," he said.

"Kohli is a massive player and whenever there was pressure, he used to absorb it exceptionally well. He didn’t score in the entire T20 World Cup but people trusted him to come good in the final. Kohli played a knock that wasn’t as fiery but given the situation, it was critical. You wanted a player to be at the crease and score runs so that the Indian bowlers get that margin to take the game deep. They eventually got it. No doubt, the bowling deserves plenty of credit but that innings from Kohli came at the right time," Irfan added.

"The same way how Tilak Varma played in the final. India had lost three wickets in the powerplay and he backed his gameplan by taking calculated risks. Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube played some high-risk shots as India eventually won the final. If a player like that is not there, Sanju Samson, for instance, he is not a consistent run-getter. He will play fast but may not be consistent," he said.

"Abhishek Sharma plays high-risk cricket and missed out in the Asia Cup 2025 final. Hence, bigger teams will plan better for him and there are higher chances to lose your wicket," he concluded. 

Notably, Tilak Varma has been sidelined for the first three T20Is against New Zealand after he was diagnosed with testicular torsion. Fortunately, he underwent surgery at the right time and he has beena advised to take at least four weeks of rest.

India’s squad for T20I series against NZ announced & ICC Men’s T20 World Cup: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (VC), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Washington Sundar, Ishan Kishan (WK).

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