Indian cricketer Tilak Varma has shattered a record set by Ahmed Shehzad in 2014 against Bangladesh, sparking widespread admiration for the 22-year-old rising star. In India’s third T20I match against South Africa, Tilak’s powerful century elevated his cricketing journey from humble beginnings to the international stage.

Growing up in a financially struggling family, Tilak’s passion for cricket was always evident, but his dreams faced major obstacles. His father, Namaburi Nagraj, an electrician, struggled to support the family, let alone Tilak’s cricket ambitions. During his early years, Tilak played local tennis-ball matches for small earnings until cricket coach Salam Bayash noticed him. After a match, Coach Bayash approached Tilak’s father with a vision: “Trust me, your son will be a big cricketer. Let him focus solely on his game, and provide him the best you can.”

Tilak’s path to success was never straightforward. When he couldn’t afford a new bat after his broke, Coach Bayash stepped in, taking Tilak 40 kilometers to and from the cricket academy every day, investing his time and resources to nurture the young talent.

After stellar performances in the IPL, Tilak’s entry into the Indian national team followed. At 22, he has already played four ODIs and 19 T20Is, and it was in his 19th T20I match that he finally scored his maiden international century. Against South Africa, Tilak smashed an unbeaten 107 off just 56 balls, hitting 8 fours and 7 sixes, and guiding India to a commanding total of 219 runs, securing victory.

This century not only brought attention to his skill but also set a new record. Tilak became the youngest player in T20 international cricket to score a century, a title previously held by Ahmed Shehzad. Shehzad, who scored his century at 22 years and 127 days, was surpassed by Tilak at 22 years and 5 days.