Tilak Varma is set to make his county cricket debut in England. The 22-year-old Indian batsman will represent Hampshire in the County Championship. Varma, who plays for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League, had a modest season in 2025, scoring 397 runs in 14 matches with two half-centuries.
Varma has already represented India in 25 T20 Internationals and four One-Day Internationals. He is yet to make his Test debut. The Hyderabad Cricket Association confirmed the news, stating that Varma will play for Hampshire in the County Championship.
County Cricket Beckons
Varma’s contract details are not yet clear, but he is expected to bring his impressive first-class record to the English county scene. In 18 first-class matches, he has scored 1,204 runs at an average of 50.16, with five centuries and four half-centuries.
Another Indian batsman, Ruturaj Gaikwad, is also set to make his county cricket debut. Gaikwad, who captains the Chennai Super Kings, will play for Yorkshire. He had traveled to England with the India A team for two unofficial Test matches against the England Lions but did not get a chance to play. Gaikwad has now signed a deal with Yorkshire and will start playing for the team next month.
Indian Presence in County Cricket
The participation of Varma and Gaikwad in county cricket is a significant development for Indian cricket. It will provide them with valuable experience and exposure to different playing conditions. The Hyderabad Cricket Association has wished Varma well, saying they are “delighted to announce that Hampshire County has approached Tilak Varma to play in the British County Championship League.”