Tilak Varma: Tilak Varma is yet to make his India debut, but the southpaw says he is already dreaming about World Cup match after being selected in the T20 squad for West Indies tour. The 20-year-old said visualizing makes things easier for him. Varma shot into the limelight by scoring 343 runs in IPL at a strike rate of 164. Coming in at number five, the southpaw took the attack to the opposition and played fearless cricket.
“I visualize every night how I can bat: if in a World Cup match, we are four or five down for 40 or 50, from there on, how can I take the team forward? It helps in making it easy for me,” Varma said to ESPN Cricinfo.
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In IPL 2022 season, MI skipper Rohit Sharma predicted that Varma would soon be a India player as he has got a calm head and goo temperament. Just over a year later, Varma is set to make his debut, but the 20-year-old said he was not dreaming about getting selected in the T20 squad for the Caribbean tour.
“I was not thinking about the national side,” Varma, who is representing South Zone in the ongoing Duleep Trophy in Bengaluru, said after the second day’s play against North Zone. “My mom and dad were crying on video call yesterday; they were very emotional. My childhood friend called me [saying] you have got selected. That was the time – around 8 o’clock [pm] – that I knew I was selected.”
Tilak Varma: Varma on the advice he received from Sachin Tendulkar and Rohit Sharma
Along with getting advice from Rohit Sharma, Varma also got advice from legendary cricketer Schain Tendulkar. The southpaw said both Rohit and Tendulkar and even Virat Kohli always say playing close to the ball is crucial in succeeding at the top. The trio also told Varma preparing off the field is crucial in getting the best possible results.
“I have heard a lot from Rohit bhai and Sachin sir, and also from Virat [Kohli] bhai. They always tell that when you are in good form, your subconscious mind is in the right place,” Varma said. “They also tell me to play close to the body… they always tell that [preparing] off the field is very important.”
With Varma being selected in the T20 squad for the Caribbean tour, the 20-year-old would be keen to stay calm and composed and try to translate his domestic and IPL success at the international level.
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