Young Indian middle-order batsman Tilak Varma has received a valuable chance to develop his red-ball skills abroad, as he signs up with Hampshire for the current English County Championship season. The 22-year-old left-handed batsman, who is known for his unflappable temperament and strong technique, has already played for India in 4 ODIs and 25 T20Is. His signing up with the Southampton-based county outfit is a huge leap in his burgeoning cricketing career.

The news was formally confirmed via a press release by the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) on June 11. “The Hyderabad Cricket Association is happy to inform you that Hyderabad International player Mr. N Thakur Tilak Varma has been approached by the team Hampshire County to play in the UK County Championship League,” the release stated. HCA also wished the young cricketer good luck, being hopeful about his success with the county team.

Tilak was seen in competitive action for the last time in IPL 2025, representing Mumbai Indians against Punjab Kings in their Qualifier 2 match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on June 1. At the first-class level, he has played 18 games to date, making 1204 runs with a stupendous average, hitting five centuries and four half-centuries. His last game in red-ball cricket was for India A in the Duleep Trophy in September 2024.

Hampshire's campaign and next fixture

Hampshire have had a patchy season in the 2025 County Championship Division One to date, achieving two victories, three draws, and two defeats from their seven matches. They were recently beaten by 9 wickets by league leaders Sussex at The Rose Bowl.

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The side is now preparing for their next assignment against Essex, with the encounter set to be played from June 22 to 25 at the County Ground in Chelmsford. With the inclusion of Tilak Varma, Hampshire will look to strengthen their middle order and revive their charge in the championship table.