Robin Uthappa, the first-ever T20 globe Cup winner, identified two promising Indian players who might win numerous matches for their nation in 2026 and make an impression on the globe of cricket.
The cricketer-turned-expert, who took home the Orange Cap in the 2014 Indian Premier League, chose opener Pratika Rawal and top-order batsman Tilak Varma.
“Pratika Rawal. She sustained an injury during the World Cup, but she will return to action in strong condition. I’m excited for her to arrive, break a few records, and perform remarkably well. Speaking on JioHotstar’s ‘Follow the Blues’, Uthappa stated, “My standout player in men’s cricket, Tilak Verma, kuch gazab hi krega (will do something extraordinary).” He also mentioned his teammates to consider.
In the shortest format, Tilak has scored some outstanding runs for the Indian squad. In addition to his consecutive hundreds against South Africa in November 2024, Tilak scored a composed fifty against Pakistan in the 2025 Asia Cup final to help the Men in Blue win the coveted trophy.
In 40 Twenty20 Internationals, the 23-year-old Tilak has amassed 1182 runs at an average of 49.25 and a strike rate of 143.98. He has solidified his position at the head of the order in the Indian squad captained by Suryakumar Yadav. As India attempts to become the first team to win consecutive T20 World Cup crowns this year, the Hyderabad batter will be essential.
In 2026, Tilak hopes to play in a couple more ODI matches. He has participated in five ODIs, the most recent of which being last month’s match against South Africa.
However, after making her debut for her country in December 2024, Pratika has been the model of consistency in ODI cricket. She has scored 1110 runs at a strike rate of 82.83 and an average of 50.45 in 24 ODIs. The right-handed batter has already amassed two hundreds and seven fifties.
The 25-year-old was instrumental for India at the Women’s ODI World Cup last year, scoring 308 runs at an average of 51.33 in six innings before suffering an injury that prevented her from playing in the knockout stages.
Home