South Zone captain Tilak Varma has reaffirmed his Test cricket ambitions after concluding a stellar Duleep Trophy campaign with a resilient 99 against East Zone in Chennai.
The 23-year-old left-hander faced 211 deliveries before falling short of consecutive centuries as his side were dismissed for 336 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Varma now manages a two-day turnaround before assuming India’s T20I vice-captaincy against Afghanistan in New Delhi, demanding a swift mental reset.
Red Ball Priority Remains
The batter amassed 266 runs across three innings during the tournament, elevating his first-class record to 1,729 runs at an average of 55.77.
His ability to bat for extended periods provides a solid technical foundation for his immediate white-ball leadership transition.
Speaking to The Times of India, Varma outlined his long-term priorities.
“I always say to everyone that I want to play red-ball cricket for India, that’s my biggest goal. As a kid, I thought I would play Test cricket first and then white-ball cricket. Red-ball cricket has always been my favourite, it’s my ‘A’ game,” — Tilak.
As international schedules evolve, with administrators confirming a West Indies Test tour for Bangladesh this October, Varma is cementing his own credentials for future selection.
His domestic application highlights a broader red-ball resilience, an attribute current England captain Joe Root championed while preparing for the third Edgbaston Test against Pakistan.
Varma will lead India out as vice-captain in Friday’s series opener against Afghanistan.
