Hampshire County Cricket Club has officially announced the signing of Indian batter Tilak Varma for their next four red-ball matches in the County Championship. Varma will join the squad starting with the away fixture against Essex, offering a significant boost to Hampshire’s batting lineup.
Tilak Varma’s International and Domestic Record
Tilak Varma, known for his dynamic performances in T20 cricket, has already represented India 29 times, including 25 T20Is where he has scored 749 runs with two back-to-back centuries against South Africa in November 2024, and three fifties, including a notable 72* against England earlier this year.
Since making his debut in 2019, Varma has become a standout performer in the IPL, playing for Mumbai Indians since 2022. In 54 IPL matches, he has amassed nearly 1500 runs at an impressive average of 37.47 and a strike rate of 144.41. As of June 2025, he boasts the second-highest average in men’s T20I cricket (49.93) and the highest for any ICC full member.
Proven First-Class Pedigree
While Varma is celebrated for his T20 skills, he also has a strong record in red-ball cricket. The left-hander has featured in 18 first-class matches, scoring over 1200 runs at an average of 50.16, including five centuries and four fifties. He has also represented India A in the Duleep Trophy and played against England Lions earlier in 2024.
Hampshire’s Director Welcomes Varma
“It’s fantastic to have Tilak available for the next four County Championship matches,” said Giles White, Hampshire’s Director of Cricket. “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.”
Hampshire’s Current Season
Hampshire currently sit in seventh place in Division One, following their best finish since 2005 as runners-up last season. Fans will get their first glimpse of Varma at Chelmsford against Essex (June 22–25), followed by his home debut against Worcestershire (June 29–July 2).
