'Text Me or Call Me, I’ll Be There for You': How Rohit's Faith Helped Tilak Get an Asia Cup Berth
Tilak Varma's debut in West Indies T20Is was so outstanding that various experts in the game, including former head coach Ravi Shastri, advocated his inclusion for the Asia Cup 2023 and the ICC World Cup that followed.
The left-hander made his international debut with back-to-back sixes and batted with the same zeal in every game in the Caribbean. Despite the fact that India lost the series 3-2, Varma emerged as the ultimate star. He finished the tour as Team India's leading scorer, with 173 runs in 5 matches.
Varma's skill was recognised by the selection committee, who chose him to fly to Sri Lanka for the upcoming Asia Cup, which begins on August 30. In fact, the hitter was taken aback after getting selected for the continental championship, which also happened to be his first ODI call-up.
"I never considered making my ODI debut in the Asia Cup." "I've always wanted to play for India, but making my debut in two formats in a single year is a big deal for me, so I'm preparing for it," Varma, who is now in Ireland, said in a video published by the BCCI.
The 20-year-old Hyderabad batsman thanked Indian captain Rohit Sharma for his unending support. Varma plays for the Mumbai Indians and made his IPL debut last year under Rohit's captaincy. The young batter explained how the captain's words inspired him to give his all on the pitch.
"Rohit Bhai has always supported me, even during the IPL." I was nervous when I first joined the squad [Mumbai Indians], but it was he who approached me and spoke to me. He told me to enjoy the game and to never be afraid to reach out. 'Feel free to contact me at any time,' he replied. "Text or call me, and I'll be there for you," Varma added.
"That's what I'm doing everywhere - expressing myself and having fun with the game." The same technique would be taken for the Asia Cup. "I'm pleased with my selection," he said.
Agarkar Praises Tilak Varma
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar mentioned Varma's good performance in the Caribbean as one of the grounds for the left-hander's selection after selecting the 17-man roster for the Asia Cup on Monday.
"Tilak Varma has a bright future." The Asia Cup is a significant opportunity for him. During the T20I series against the West Indies, we saw some great promise not only in terms of performance but also temperament.
This will provide him with exposure. He is also a left-handed pitcher. "Fortunately, we can take 17 here, so he can be a part of the team," added Agarkar.