Emerging cricketer Tilak Varma is making impressive strides since his recent inclusion in Team India‘s T20I side. He has made significant contributions in his first two outings for the Men in blue, but Sunday’s performance held a special significance as the stylish left-handed batter secured his maiden T20I fifty.
Varma’s remarkable innings unfolded during the second T20I game against West Indies in Guyana. Batting at number four, he showcased his batting prowess by crafting an elegant knock of 51 runs from 41 deliveries. His innings was marked by five well-timed boundaries and a well-struck six. The southpaw’s contribution was pivotal in helping India set a competitive 152-7 on the scoreboard.
Tilak’s touching gesture towards Rohit Sharma’s daughter
After the contest, Varma shared a heartwarming insight into his celebratory gesture. He dedicated his unique celebration to Rohit Sharma‘s daughter, Samaira, affectionately known as ‘Sammy’.
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In a touching revelation during the post-match press conference, Varma provided insight into the heartwarming reason behind his unique celebratory gesture. The Hyderbad-born cricketer openly discussed the close bond he shares with Rohit’s daughter, Samaira, and the special promise he had made to her.
Varma explained that he had promised young Samaira that he would dedicate his celebratory moment to her whenever he achieves a milestone like a maiden century or a fifty in international cricket. True to his word, he chose to honour that promise after he secured his maiden T20I fifty.
“It was towards Sammy (Samaira), Rohit bhai’s daughter. I am very close to Sammy. I had promised her that whenever I will score a century or a fifty, I will do a celebration for her. We both play with each other that way so I did the celebration for Sammy,” the 20-year-old said.
Anna step esthe mass 🕺 – Tilak Varma 💪 with a brilliant first fifty in #TeamIndia colours 🔥#WIvIND #JioCinema #SabJawaabMilenge #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/TjniKcyHEF
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) August 6, 2023
A special fifty 👍
A special celebration for someone special from the Rohit Sharma family ☺️#TeamIndia | #WIvIND | @ImRo45 | @TilakV9 pic.twitter.com/G7knVbziNI
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 6, 2023
Speaking of the game, despite the setback of losing Kuldeep Yadav due to injury, India’s bowlers showcased their prowess early in West Indies’ reply during the second T20I.
Led by captain Hardik Pandya, India made a strong start with the ball. Pandya’s opening over proved to be a game-changer as he claimed two wickets in quick succession, removing West Indies’ top-order batters. This early breakthrough left West Indies reeling at 32/3 within the first four overs, and it seemed as though India might be able to capitalize on this advantage and secure a dominant position in the match.
However, Nicholas Pooran‘s explosive batting turned the tide in favour of the hosts. Pooran played a stellar innings, smashing a remarkable half-century. The wicketkeeper-batter aggressive power-hitting style was on full display as he scored 67 runs off just 40 deliveries. Pooran’s innings injected much-needed impetus into West Indies’ innings and helped them recover from the early setbacks.
The partnership between Pooran and Rovman Powell, was particularly crucial. Their 57-run stand for the fourth wicket provided stability to the innings and set the foundation for their successful pursuit of the target.
Ultimately, West Indies managed to chase down the target and secure a thrilling two-wicket victory, taking a 2-0 lead in the series.
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