Has Team India got the new Virat Kohli? Tilak Verma ready for anchor role on difficult pitches:

News India Live, Digital Desk: After Virat Kohli’s retirement from T20 Internationals, the biggest question was who would handle the innings on difficult pitches? Before the start of T20 World Cup 2026, former cricketers and experts Tilak Verma Has been sealed. He is being considered as the ‘modern-day version’ of Kohli, who can not only anchor the innings but can also score runs quickly when needed.

Why are comparisons being made with Virat Kohli?

Experts have several solid reasons to consider Tilak as the ‘next Kohli’:

Chase Master’s Avatar: Tilak Verma recently played in the T20I run-chase. 68.0 Has achieved an average of 67.1, which is even better than Virat Kohli (67.1). He has become the world’s No. 1 chase specialist among batsmen who have scored at least 500 runs.

That memorable knock of Asia Cup: former cricketer Irfan Pathan Praising Tilak, he said that his unbeaten streak against Pakistan in the final of Asia Cup 2025 69 runs His innings proved that he can absorb pressure like Kohli in big matches.

Consistency and tempo: Tilak’s T20I average 49.25 and strike rate 144 Close to. Like Kohli, he also handles the innings when wickets fall and then adopts an aggressive stance in the end.

Makes a ‘bang’ comeback after overcoming injury

Just before the World Cup, there were concerns about Tilak Verma’s fitness because he abdominal surgery Had to get it done. But he surprised everyone with his recovery:

Warm-up match performance: In the warm-up match against South Africa, Tilak only 45 runs on 19 balls Proved his fitness by playing a stormy innings.

New contender for number 3: Captain Suryakumar Yadav has indicated that Tilak Verma will bat at No. 3, which has been Virat Kohli’s permanent position for years.

Experts’ opinion: ‘Holding role’ is necessary

former cricketer Deep Dasgupta He believes that the Indian team has power-hitters like Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan, but when the pitch is tough, Tilak Verma and Suryakumar Yadav are the only two players who can ‘hold’ the game. Tilak’s left-handed batting also gives India an added advantage in the middle order.