IND vs WI: Follow Basics And Enjoy The Game As Much As You Can - Tilak Varma Reveals Rahul Dravid's Advice
Published - 07 Aug 2023, 03:04 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:16 AM
Young Indian batter Tilak Varma credited head coach Rahul Dravid and skipper Hardik Pandya for their support ahead of his first international game in the West Indies. Tilak Varma admitted that he has been in touch with Rahul Dravid since the Under-19 World Cup in 2020.
Tilak Varma made his international debut in the first T20I against the West Indies. The left-handed batter played a counterattacking knock of 39 runs off 22 deliveries in the series opener. He scored his first T20I half-century in the second match in Guyana on Sunday, August 6.
He Always Says To Enjoy Your Game – Tilak Varma
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Tilak Varma revealed that Rahul Dravid suggested him to play his natural game, which had brought him success in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and domestic cricket.
“I have been with Rahul sir since the Under-19 World Cup. He always says to follow your basics and spend as much time in the 22 yards between the wickets. He always says to enjoy your game as much as you can,” Tilak said.
“When I was talking to Hardik bhai also, he says the same thing, that you’ve done well in IPL and domestic, so this is the same thing you should do in international cricket. Follow your basics and enjoy your game,” he added.
The Mumbai Indians batter showcased impressive form in the IPL 2023, scoring 343 runs in 11 games with an average of 42.88 and a strike rate of 164.11. He scored 397 runs in 14 games at an average of 36.10 in the IPL 2022.
Two IPL Seasons Were My Turning Point – Tilak Varma
Tilak Varma revealed that Mumbai Indians’ captain Rohit Sharma identified him as an all-format player during his debut IPL season, which boosted his confidence.
“Everyone knows that the two IPL seasons were my turning point. I am here because of my performances there. So I am just playing with that confidence and going forward I want to continue what I’ve been doing,” he further stated.
“In my first IPL season, he [Rohit Sharma, the Mumbai Indians captain] told me that I am an all-format player and that was a huge boost for me. That gave me a lot of confidence. He told me from then that I have to be consistent and for that I need to be disciplined off the field. So I take his guidance and have been following the things he has told me to do,” he concluded.
The Hyderabad-born cricketer has been included in India’s upcoming three-match series against Ireland, scheduled to be played between August 18 to 23. The southpaw has also been named in the squad for the upcoming Asian Games 2023.