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After delivering remarkable performances for the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), the talented left-handed batsman Tilak Varma swiftly secured a place in the Indian national team. His performances showcased his value as a crucial player in the middle-order lineup. In his debut Twenty20 International (T20I) match, the 20-year-old demonstrated his aggressive batting skills by amassing an impressive 39 runs from just 22 deliveries.
Capitalizing on his initial success, Varma continued to excel and achieved a noteworthy milestone in the second fixture of the series. He secured his maiden half-century at the international level, scoring a commendable 51 runs off 41 balls. This significant contribution from Varma played a vital role in aiding India during a challenging phase of the game.
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Varma reveres two Indian superstars as his cricketing muse
During a conversation with reporters following the conclusion of the second T20I match on Sunday (August 6), the youngster expressed his admiration for Rohit Sharma and attributed his own success to the captain’s instrumental role.
Varma commended Rohit for instilling confidence in him through his words, mentioning that Rohit had encouraged him to believe in his potential as an all-format cricketer. In addition to his praise for Rohit, the Hyderabad-born cricketer also acknowledged the profound influence of both Suresh Raina and Rohit as his sources of inspiration and motivation.
“My inspiration has been Suresh Raina and Rohit Sharma. I spend more time with Rohit bhai. In my first IPL, he had told me that Tilak you are an all-format cricketer. It boosted my confidence. His guidance has been massive for me,” the southpaw said.
Continuing his appreciation for Rohit, Varma emphasized the 36-year-old’s role as his steadfast support system. Varma highlighted that Rohit has consistently advised him to relish the game and derive joy from it, underscoring the importance of maintaining a positive and enjoyable approach to cricket.
Varma also acknowledged the significant role that the cash-rich league has played in shaping his cricketing journey. He noted that the IPL had a transformative impact on his career, representing a pivotal turning point that accelerated his growth and provided a platform to showcase his talents on a global stage.
“Rohit Sharma has been a big support system to me. He always talk to me and tell me to enjoy the game. For me the turning point has been the IPL. The performance has helped me to play for India. Going forward I would like to continue it,” Varma concluded.
Notably, In the second T20I of the ongoing five-game series, the men in blue faced their second consecutive defeat, this time by a margin of two wickets. After setting a target of 153 runs while batting first, India was unable to defend the total in the second inning.
Looking ahead, the third T20I encounter between India and West Indies is scheduled for Tuesday (August 8). The match will take place at Providence Stadium in Guyana, providing another opportunity for both teams to compete and make their mark in the series.
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