Tilak Varma’s transgression on June 15 snuck under the radar. The India A captain lost his cool before Vaibhav Sooryavanshi did. But it was the 15-year-old who came into the limelight. For the unaware, Tilak argued with the on-field umpires on multiple occasions during the Sri Lanka A match in Dambulla and was fined 30% of his match fee.
The umpires weren’t convinced to conduct a Super Over due to the light dying. But Tilak kept on demanding it. Eventually, they agreed. Then, he was unhappy about a controversial no-ball call by the third umpire on the final ball of Sri Lanka A’s Super Over. But that wasn’t it.
Tilak Varma on Super Over drama
After the first half ended, India A were set 17 to chase. Tilak argued for the match to be called off due to bad light. Mind you, he had urged continuing with the game in the first place. But Tilak maintains that he just had a conversation. There was no arguing, just a normal chat.
“Honestly, if you look at that game, the light wasn’t ideal for a Super Over. But we had worked hard throughout the day and wanted a result because both teams were playing for two points. That’s all I was asking the umpires about. There wasn’t much argument from our side.
As for pressure, yes, it comes with leading India because of the legacy attached to the team. But pressure is part of the job. We’ve actually played good cricket in this tournament. Against Afghanistan-A, the DLS result didn’t go our way. Against Sri Lanka-A, it was a very close game. But overall, we’ve played well as a team, and now we have one game left. We’ll give it our best,” Tilak told Sportstar.
Full backing to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
As mentioned above, all the eyeballs are on Sooryavanshi. Even before the physical alternation. The teenager has neither failed nor succeeded in the tri-series. His scores – 14, 44, 21 and 38 – have been in between. But that’s fine. He’s transitioning from the Indian Premier League (IPL) to 50-over cricket. Tilak and the India A management have full trust in the 15-year-old.
They haven’t instructed him to bat in a different manner. Whatever feels natural to him is what Sooryavanshi should do. Tilak realises that the opener can change the outcome of the match on his day, and that too in a matter of a few overs. He just hopes that Sooryavanshi fires in the India A vs Sri Lanka A final on June 21.
“It will definitely be challenging for him when he makes that transition to the senior men’s team. He’s come from U-19 cricket, had a fantastic IPL, and is now representing a senior side. But he’s extremely talented. If he gets going, he can finish games on his own. The most important thing for someone like him is backing. Young players need freedom. I’ve told him to keep playing his natural game, enjoy and not take pressure.
At his age, this is the time to learn and express himself. Whatever he has achieved so far has come from playing positively. There’s no reason to change that. As captain, I told him I’m always there if he needs anything. Just keep learning, enjoying the game and trust your strengths. So, we are backing him and hoping that he comes good in the final. And, if he gets going, we all know what he’s capable of doing. I hope he keeps going in the final,” he added.
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