For all the criticism Gautam Gambhir has received from admirers of the Indian cricket team, the players have never spoken an ill word about him. Tilak Varma, who’s thrived under Gambhir’s tenure, has praised the Indian head coach for helping him fulfill his potential.
Tilak Varma lauds Gautam Gambhir for backing
He has become a vital part of the T20I setup and was the ‘player of the match’ in the 2025 Asia Cup final against Pakistan. Tilak’s also on the fringes of the ODI team. The southpaw was named India ‘A’ captain and has also returned to the 50-over squad in the absence of Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill.
The 23-year-old shared how Gambhir told him to believe in his ability and told him that he could become an all-format player for India. “Gautam sir always gives me confidence. He tells me that if you have the skill, you can play all formats and do well in all formats,” Tilak said on JioStar’s ‘Follow The Blues’.
The left-handed batter revealed that Gambhir has been helping him become a better version of himself. The coach puts Tilak under match simulations and tells the batter to execute the necessary.
“He puts me under pressure in practice sessions so I can learn how to handle pressure in matches. He keeps challenging me because he believes I have the capability. That backing means a lot to me,” Tilak said on the eve of the Raipur ODI.
India vs South Africa ODI series schedule
| Day | Date | Match | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | 30th November | 1st ODI | Ranchi | India won by 17 runs |
| Wednesday | 3rd December | 2nd ODI | Raipur | To be played |
| Saturday | 6th December | 3rd ODI | Visakhapatnam | To be played |
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