Emerging cricketer Tilak Varma attributes his impressive performance in the Caribbean T20 series to the mentorship of Indian cricket icon Rohit Sharma. Despite India trailing the series 0-2, Varma is making a mark and acknowledges Sharma’s unwavering support and guidance as pivotal to his debut success.
“Rohit bhai has been a support system and always told me to enjoy the game. He always guides me how to play,” Tilak Varma remarked after scoring his maiden T20 fifty, even though the effort ended in a loss.
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With a strong bond between them, Tilak Varma finds inspiration from both Rohit Sharma and Suresh Raina. However, it’s Rohit Sharma’s mentoring that has particularly boosted his confidence. Reflecting on their interactions, Varma recounted, “In the first IPL, he said ‘Tilak is an all-format player’ and it boosted my confidence.”
In the second T20 match, Varma’s innings of 51 off 41 balls set the stage for India’s score of 152 for seven. However, West Indies achieved the target in 18.5 overs, led by Nicholas Pooran’s 67 off 40 balls.
A special fifty 👍
A special celebration for someone special from the Rohit Sharma family ☺️#TeamIndia | #WIvIND | @ImRo45 | @TilakV9 pic.twitter.com/G7knVbziNI
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 6, 2023
Commenting on the game, Tilak Varma noted, “The wicket was slow and double-paced. We thought 150-160 would be a good score, but I think we were 10 runs short. Credit goes to Pooran, he batted really well.” Varma dedicated his maiden fifty celebration to Rohit Sharma’s daughter, Samaira, a testament to the strong bond they share. “I am very close to Sammy. I had promised her that whenever I will score a century or a fifty, I will do a celebration for her,” Varma shared.
Discussing his journey in international cricket, Varma emphasized the importance of consistency and discipline on and off the field. He attributed his entry into the Indian team to his standout performances in the IPL, labeling those seasons as turning points in his career.
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Moreover, Varma spoke highly of India’s coach, Rahul Dravid. “I have been talking to Rahul sir since U-19 World Cup. Rahul sir always says that follow your basics and spend as much time in the middle. He always tells me to ‘enjoy the game’.”
As the series continues, Varma’s dedication and guidance from his mentors remain pivotal factors in his emerging cricket journey. The third T20I between India and West Indies is scheduled for Tuesday.
