Rising Stars in Indian Cricket: Uthappa Highlights Pratika Rawal and Tilak Verma

Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has spotlighted two young talents, Pratika Rawal and Tilak Verma, as players to watch in 2026. With the ICC T20 World Cup and other major tournaments on the horizon, Uthappa believes Rawal will bounce back from injury and continue her impressive form, while Verma is expected to make significant contributions in men's cricket. Discover their remarkable statistics and what makes them stand out in the cricketing world.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 2, 2026, 02:10 IST

Promising Talents for 2026

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India] - On January 1, former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa identified two young talents to keep an eye on in 2026: the impressive Pratika Rawal and the dynamic Tilak Verma.

During a discussion on JioHotstar, Uthappa emphasized the significance of the upcoming year for Team India, which aims to secure three major trophies: the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, and the ICC U19 World Cup 2026.

While appearing on the show 'Follow the Blues', Uthappa praised Rawal, stating, “Pratika Rawal faced an injury during the World Cup but is expected to return in great form. I anticipate her breaking records and performing exceptionally well. In men's cricket, Tilak Verma is my standout player; he will do something extraordinary.”

Since her debut last year, Pratika has participated in 24 ODIs, amassing 1,110 runs at an impressive average of 50.45, including two centuries and seven fifties in just 23 innings, with a strike rate exceeding 82. In her inaugural women's World Cup, she was a key contributor, scoring 308 runs in seven matches at an average of 51.33, featuring a century and a fifty before an injury sidelined her from the semifinal and final.

On the other hand, Tilak has scored 68 runs in four ODIs, including a fifty, but has shone in T20Is with 1,183 runs in 40 matches and 37 innings, averaging 49.29, with two centuries and six fifties. His notable performances include two centuries against South Africa in late 2024 and a composed 69* while chasing 147 against Pakistan in the Asia Cup final.

Tilak concluded the previous year with 567 runs in 20 T20I matches, averaging 47.25, and boasting a strike rate of 129.15, which included four fifties and a top score of 73.