Written by Vaibhav Tripathi
Tilak Varma has expressed gratitude towards captain Rohit Sharma for his support and guidance, after earning a spot in the Indian squad for the Asia Cup 2023. The left-handed batter told BCCI.tv that Rohit consistently encouragement him and helped him overcome on-field nervousness.
Varma made a mark playing for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League this year and tallied 343 runs. The youngster from Hyderabad made his T20I debut in the West Indies and did well in the five-match series which India lost. Although he failed in two T20Is in Ireland, his composure, shot selection and the virtues of being a left-handed batter earned him a spot in the ODI squad. This is significant, looking ahead to the World Cup later this year.
“Rohit bhaiya always backed me. When I was playing in the IPL, he used to come to me. I was a bit nervous at the start at the start of the competition. He spoke to me about the game and told me to feel free and enjoy what I was doing. ‘Whenever you want to talk, you can come to me or text me. I’ll be there for you’” Varma said of Rohit, who also leads the Mumbai Indians side.
The 20-year-old made the most of the opportunity in the Caribbean. He showcased his versatility by adjusting his style according to the situation and made 173 runs, the highest by an Indian in the series.
“I have expressed myself in the IPL and I’m expressing myself everywhere. I always talk to Rohit bhaiya. He says enjoying the game is most important. That’s what I’m doing. Yeah, I’m very happy that I’m in (the Asia Cup squad) and I want to do well there as well. I want to enjoy what I’m doing now,” said Varma.
If given an opportunity in the Asia Cup, Varma will look to showcase his ability in the 50-over format and make a case for inclusion in the World Cup squad. In domestic one-dayers, he averages over 56 per innings.