‘Tilak has to play the kind of role Kohli played for India’ - Veteran all-rounder backs young star for T20 World Cup

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has made a strong statement about Tilak Varma ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. He believes Tilak’s role in India’s T20I setup is comparable to that of Virat Kohli, stressing that his presence could be crucial for the team in the marquee event.

Kohli is the most prolific run-scorer in T20 World Cup history, having amassed 1,292 runs in 35 matches at an outstanding average of 58.92, including 15 half-centuries. He won the Player of the Tournament award twice and retired from the format after guiding India to the T20 World Cup title in 2024.

Pathan feels that Tilak has now emerged as one of the most important cogs in India’s T20I wheel, highlighted by his clutch performance in the Asia Cup 2025 final. He also believes Tilak has the potential to produce a match-defining innings similar to Kohli’s iconic knock in the T20 World Cup 2024 final.

"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," Pathan said on his YouTube Channel.

"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," he added.

Most of Indians play high-risk cricket: Pathan

Pathan stated that Tilak will be vital to India’s chances, as most of the other batters play high-risk cricket and often lack consistency. He pointed out that Tilak provides much-needed stability to the batting lineup. Tilak enjoyed a productive year in T20Is in 2025, climbing to No.3 in the ICC T20I rankings after scoring 567 runs in 20 matches at an impressive average of 47.25, including four half-centuries.

"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. 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,” said Pathan.

“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. 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 added.

Tilak is the glue of the team: Pathan

Pathan also underlined that Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav’s recent dip in form makes Tilak’s role even more crucial for the side. With added responsibility on his shoulders, Tilak will be expected to anchor the innings and deliver consistently. India’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign is set to begin on February 7 against the USA in Mumbai.

"Suryakumar Yadav is also out of form. Hardik Pandya will find himself alone and if the pitch grips, there is a different challenge. Rinku Singh is making a comeback. From the perspective of batting, Tilak Varma is extremely critical and he is the glue of the team. It will be a concern with what form Tilak plays in the T20 World Cup. The expectation is for him to be fit and return to his previous form,” Pathan concluded.