In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian cricket, where talent brews in every corner of the nation, the endorsement of a seasoned veteran carries significant weight. Former Indian cricketer and World Cup winner, Robin Uthappa, known for his astute understanding of the game and keen eye for emerging talent, has cast his vote of confidence on two dynamic young players: women’s batting sensation Pratika Rawal and men’s hard-hitting middle-order batter, Tilak Varma. Uthappa believes these two individuals are primed to make a substantial impact on the global stage by 2026, a year earmarked for major ICC tournaments, including the ICC T20 World Cup, the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, and the ICC U19 World Cup.

Robin Uthappa’s Keen Eye: Spotting Future India Stars

Speaking on JioHotstar’s ‘Follow the Blues’, as Team India embarked on a new year with an eye on multiple major trophies, Uthappa’s selections underscore the depth and promise within the Indian cricketing pipeline. His predictions are not merely speculative; they stem from observing raw talent translate into consistent performances. Uthappa, himself a crucial part of India’s T20 World Cup winning squad in 2007, understands the temperament, skill, and sheer grit required to excel at the highest level. His endorsement, therefore, serves as a significant morale booster for these youngsters and a clear signal to the cricketing fraternity.

The year 2026 presents a crucial juncture for Indian cricket, with both the men’s and women’s teams vying for global supremacy in the T20 format. For players like Rawal and Varma, these tournaments represent the ultimate stage to showcase their abilities and etch their names into cricketing history. Uthappa’s foresight highlights the importance of nurturing talent with a long-term vision, ensuring India remains a dominant force across all formats.

Pratika Rawal: A Batting Sensation’s Resilient Rise

Pratika Rawal’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Despite facing an injury setback during her debut World Cup last year, her statistics paint a picture of extraordinary potential. Uthappa’s confidence in her is palpable, stating, ‘Pratika Rawal. She faced an injury during the WC and will come back into the play with a good form. Looking forward to her coming in and smashing a few records, doing exceptionally well.’

Since her debut ‘last year’, Rawal has already amassed an impressive record in One Day Internationals (ODIs). In just 24 ODIs and 23 innings, she has scored 1,110 runs at an astonishing average of 50.45. This includes two centuries and seven fifties, all scored at a healthy strike rate of over 82. For a player in her debut season, such consistency and the ability to convert starts into significant scores are rare and indicative of a mature batting temperament beyond her years.

Her performance in her debut Women’s World Cup further cemented her status as a player to watch. She was among the leading run-scorers, accumulating 308 runs in seven matches (six innings) at an average of 51.33, including a century and a fifty, before an unfortunate injury forced her to miss the crucial semi-final and final matches. This ability to perform under World Cup pressure, coupled with her impressive ODI average, suggests she possesses the mettle to become a cornerstone of the Indian women’s batting lineup for years to come. Her return from injury, as Uthappa suggests, could see her reach even greater heights, potentially ‘smashing a few records’ on her path to becoming a global superstar.

Tilak Varma: The Hard-Hitting Dynamo Eyeing Global Stages

On the men’s side, Tilak Varma has emerged as a compelling talent, particularly in the shortest format of the game. Described by Uthappa as a ‘hard-hitting number three’, Varma has quickly made a name for himself with his aggressive yet composed style of play. Uthappa’s conviction is clear: ‘In men’s cricket, Tilak Verma, my standout player, kuch gazab hi krega (will do something extraordinary).’.

While his ODI career is still nascent with just 68 runs in four matches, including a solitary fifty, it is in T20 Internationals (T20Is) where Varma has truly shone. His statistics are testament to his explosive potential: 1,183 runs in 40 matches (37 innings) at an outstanding average of 49.29, featuring two centuries and six fifties. These numbers are a strong indicator of his ability to consistently deliver impactful performances, a trait highly valued in the fast-paced world of T20 cricket.

Varma’s standout performances further underscore his big-match temperament. He registered two crucial centuries against South Africa away from home towards the ‘2024-end’, demonstrating his ability to perform in challenging overseas conditions. Perhaps even more impressively, he played a ‘calm, composed 69* while chasing 147 against Pakistan in the Asia Cup final’, showcasing his ability to anchor an innings under immense pressure and guide his team to victory. His T20I form from ‘last year’ was equally impressive, with 567 runs in 20 matches (18 innings) at an average of 47.25 and a strike rate of 129.15, including four fifties and a best score of 73.

Varma’s versatility as a left-handed middle-order batter, capable of both accelerating the scoring and building an innings, makes him an invaluable asset. With the 2026 T20 World Cup on the horizon, his continued development could see him cement a permanent spot in India’s top order, fulfilling Uthappa’s prophecy of doing ‘something extraordinary’.

The Road to 2026: A Vision for Indian Cricket

Uthappa’s selections of Pratika Rawal and Tilak Varma are not just about individual brilliance; they reflect a broader vision for Indian cricket – one that prioritizes youthful energy, raw talent, and a fearless approach. For Rawal, overcoming injury and returning to her dominant form will be key, while for Varma, maintaining his explosive T20I consistency and translating that success into the ODI format will be crucial stepping stones. Both players face the intense competition inherent in Indian cricket, where selection is a constant battle for supremacy.

The path to 2026 will demand relentless hard work, strategic development, and the mental fortitude to handle the immense expectations of a cricketing nation. However, with the backing of experienced voices like Robin Uthappa, and the undeniable talent they possess, Rawal and Varma are undoubtedly two of the most exciting prospects poised to lead India’s charge for global glory in the coming years. Their journey will be eagerly watched by fans and experts alike, hopeful that they will indeed ‘do something extraordinary’ and bring home significant silverware for India.

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