‘Soon you will see Tilak Varma playing for India’ These were the words said by Team India skipper Rohit Sharma after Varma smashed RCB bowlers in IPL 2023 season. Cut to August, the southpaw has already played seven T20Is and now, has earned a maiden call-up in ODIs for Asia Cup 2023 event. The 20-year-old is currently in Ireland playing T20 series but did not hold back his emotions after being selected for the Continental Cup.
Describing it as a surreal feeling, Varma stated, “I never thought I would be debuting directly in Asia Cup in ODI format. I always believed I could be debuting in ODI soon, but it is a big thing for me. I always dream of this, debuting in ODIs for India. In a single year I got to make T20I debut, and suddenly next month I am getting a call for Asia Cup. I am just preparing for it.”
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Asia Cup: ‘Rohit Bhai has always backed me’ Varma lavishes praise on skipper Rohit Sharma ahead of Asia Cup
Rohit Sharma has seen firsthand the humungous talent Varma is. The southpaw continued his sizzling IPL 2023 form on his maiden T20 series against West Indies, by scoring 172 runs at 57 averages. Varma was one of the lone shining spots in an otherwise dismal Caribbean tour. During his time in MI, Rohit always gave Varma freedom to express himself.
“Rohit Bhai has always supported me. During IPL, I was pretty nervous, but Rohit Sharma always said, go express yourself, and don’t be afraid to ask any questions. He only told me one thing to enjoy your game. I am happy I am in the Asia Cup side, and I want to do well there. I want to enjoy what I am doing,” Varma added.
Varma has clearly followed his captain’s advice and is off to a dream start on his international career. In just his second T20I game, the youngster scored calm & composed 50 and helped India reach a fighting total against Windies. Although India lost the match, the youngster’s demeanor stood out. Varma has been rewarded for his phenomenal performances in the T20 series, and now it is about playing more such knocks in ODIs.
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