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The New Chasemaster, Tilak Varma, Achieves the Highest Batting Average in T20I Run Chases
Tilak Varma's performance in Indian cricket has been quite impressive. His batting in Dharamshala
marked a major statistical achievement as he surpassed Virat Kohli’s chase average.
Kohli is widely considered the "gold standard in run chases.” The 23-year-old Varma outclassed the former skipper and has strengthened his reputation as one of the most dependable batsmen in the format. Currently, Varma holds the best average in T20I run chases globally.
Shattering the Chasemaster's T20I Record
During the third T20I against South Africa, Tilak Varma scored 25 runs off 34 balls. This specific inning was considered "uncharacteristic" yet "rich in significance." The innings guided India to a modest score of 118 runs.
Virat Kohli scored 2013 runs in 48 T20I chases, maintaining an average of 67.10. Varma outdid Kohli with an average of 68.0 in T20I run chases (minimum 500 runs) and now holds the top position in the global list. He also broke the record of an Indian scoring the highest average against a particular opponent. Varma’s average stands at 70.50 against South Africa, while Kohli's average is 70.28 against Pakistan (minimum 300 runs).
Consistent Performance and Elite Positioning
Varma’s run chasing lead is greatly enhanced by his consistency at the number three position. He scored 468 runs in 14 innings at number three and maintained an average of 58.5 with a striking strike rate of 160.27. His current form is stellar in the ongoing T20I series against South Africa.
He scored 113 runs across three matches in the series. This includes a fluent 62 off 34 balls in the second T20I. Overall, Tilak Varma has now accumulated 1110 runs from 39 T20Is. His overall average is 48.26 with a strike rate of 142.49. Varma has already registered two centuries and five fifties in T20Is. The unique perspective focuses on his batting position: his number 3 consistency is the foundation for his chase mastery.