For those who have only witnessed Tilak Varma as a T20 batsman, Hampshire's County Championship match against Essex presented a different narrative. Varma, one of India's brightest young prospects in white-ball cricket, has now come a step closer to realising his red-ball dreams. The 22-year-old left-handed batsman registered his first County Championship century, scoring a calm century after the resumption of Day 3 on 98*.

Coming in under pressure at 11/2 with England pacer Sam Cook on a hat-trick, Varma showed the kind of temperament and technique that you’d want in a red-ball batter. His 100 came off 239 deliveries and included 11 boundaries and 3 sixes. Even in the IPL, Tilak looked like a complete batter and hence it hasn’t come as a surprise that he’s done phenomenally well.

He stitched together vital stands with Fletcha Middleton (52 runs), captain Ben Brown (43 runs), and most importantly, a 129-run unbeaten partnership with Liam Dawson, who helped him well with 79 off 132 deliveries.

Also Read | Watch: Ravindra Jadeja Smirks, Pumps Fist as Umpires Approve Ball Change

Tilak's innings was an exercise in playing close to the body, leaving with restraint, and showing respect to the conditions. He was especially impressive against off-spinner Simon Harmer, not giving him anything loose on a turning track.

Representing Hyderabad in domestic cricket, Tilak has accumulated more than 1200 runs in 18 first-class matches at a mean of 50.16, including five centuries and four half-centuries. He has also represented India A in the Duleep Trophy and England Lions series in early 2024.

It is safe to say that Tilak timed it just right to play for a County side, as India's next domestic season will only commence in late August. Picking up a four-match deal, Tilak will be available to play until the Worcestershire match which concludes on August 1.