A candid interaction between Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma has caught fans’ attention ahead of the IPL 2026 season. The clip, shared by Star Sports, quickly went viral.
Surya’s remark goes viral
In the video, shot for the Superstars Mastimania show, posted by Star Sports, Suryakumar Yadav was asked to describe Tilak Varma. Responding in a light-hearted tone, he said, “Tilak is very irritating and annoying”.
The moment suggested a friendly bond between the two rather than any serious issue. Both players continue to be key figures across formats, with Hardik Pandya set to lead Mumbai Indians, while Suryakumar captains India in T20Is.
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Batting role banter adds intrigue
The exchange didn’t stop there. Tilak Varma quickly fired back, asking whether he would bat at number three for Mumbai Indians in the upcoming season.
“Pahle ye batao 3 no ja raha hu ya nahi main? (First, tell me if I will be batting at number three or not),” Varma asked.
Suryakumar responded by shifting the decision to captain Hardik Pandya. “Pata nahi, ab IPL me main to nahi hu captain, I think tujhe Hardik se puchhna padega (I don’t know. I am no longer your captain in the IPL. I think you will have to ask Hardik),” he said.
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The same video on Instagram got loves on Instagram. One user wrote,"Masti nehi rukni chahiye". Another wrote, Tilak wants to win World Cup for MI."
What the world doesn’t know about Tilak Varma? 🤫
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 20, 2026
Will he take charge at No.3? Surya spills it all! ⚡
Superstar vibes, unfiltered masti, and pure MI energy 💙#TATAIPL 2026 👉 #RCBvSRH | SAT, 28th MAR, 5.30 PM pic.twitter.com/qBnYt2PEej
Tilak Varma has previously delivered at number three, notably scoring a century against South Africa in 2024 at the Wanderers Stadium. After that match, Suryakumar had revealed that Varma himself pushed for the role.
Despite Varma’s struggles during the 2026 T20 World Cup, Suryakumar continued to back him amid criticism. Heading into IPL 2026, the young batter is expected to be under close watch.
In the previous IPL season, Varma scored 343 runs in 16 matches at an average of 31.18, including two half-centuries.
