London, July 2: Indian cricketers Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma are making strong statements in the English County Championship with their impressive performances. Representing Nottinghamshire and Hampshire respectively, both players have amassed valuable runs, strengthening their case for a potential Test comeback or debut.
While Ishan Kishan has accumulated 164 runs in two innings, Tilak Varma has already scored 176 runs in three innings, including a century. Their form comes at a time when the Indian national team is touring England, and selectors might consider them as backup options in case of injuries.
Tilak Varma’s Consistency with the Bat
Tilak Varma, known primarily for his prowess in limited-overs formats, has shown he can adapt to the demands of first-class cricket as well. Playing for Hampshire, he made a brilliant start in his debut match against Essex, scoring a century. His knock of 100 runs came off 241 balls, including 11 fours and 3 sixes. The match eventually ended in a draw.
In his second game against Worcestershire, Tilak scored a gritty 56 off 171 balls in the first innings, laced with 7 boundaries and a six. Despite his contribution, Hampshire was bowled out for 221, trailing Worcestershire’s mammoth 679/7 declared. As of the end of Day 3, Hampshire is following on and struggling, having scored 86/3, with Tilak unbeaten on 20 runs alongside captain Ben Brown on 3.
Ishan Kishan Impresses in First-Class Return
After being out of the Indian setup since 2022, Ishan Kishan has used county cricket as a platform to remind the selectors of his capabilities. Turning out for Nottinghamshire, Kishan played his first match against Yorkshire, contributing a fluent 87 off 98 balls, which included 12 fours and a six. The match ended in a draw, but Kishan’s knock was one of the highlights of the game.
In his second appearance, against Somerset, the left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman followed up with another solid innings. After Somerset posted 379, Nottinghamshire replied with 509 runs, thanks in part to Kishan’s 77 off 128 deliveries, featuring 8 fours and 2 sixes. His ability to anchor the innings while accelerating when required demonstrates a mature, balanced approach well-suited for the longer format.
Potential National Call-Up?
Both Tilak and Ishan’s performances come at a crucial juncture. The Indian Test team is currently in England, and any injuries to key players could open the door for fresh faces. Tilak’s transition into red-ball cricket and Ishan’s attacking-yet-tempered style offer the selectors promising alternatives.
While Tilak Varma is already a regular in India’s white-ball squads, his adaptability to multi-day cricket boosts his credentials for a Test debut. Ishan, on the other hand, seems determined to break back into the national fold by showcasing his batting depth in first-class conditions.
Conclusion
The strong performances by Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma in county cricket are timely and significant. Not only do they add depth to India’s future Test pool, but they also reflect the growing impact of Indian players in overseas domestic circuits. If their form continues, a call-up to the Indian red-ball squad may not be far off.