India and Mumbai Indians (MI) cricketer Tilak Varma opened up about playing under the leadership of Rohit Sharma. He said that he has been lucky to have played under the senior opener as he has been his childhood hero.
Tilak Varma no doubt is one of the most talented youngsters in Indian cricket. A product of Mumbai Indians, who came into the scene in 2021, has shown great composure on the international stage and has played some sensational innings for the team.
Tilak Varma has become the backbone of the Mumbai Indians in IPL in such a short span of time and is also a vital part of Team India. The batter under the guidance of Rohit Sharma has been doing great things and has looked very settled at the crease. Apart from this, he has been handy with the ball as well.
With India looking to play batters who can chip in with the ball, Tilak Varma can be a huge asset for the team in the future. Even skipper Rohit Sharma has been vocal about the young batter, saying that he can do great things in the future.
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Tilak Varma said that he is trying to team needs and is trying to do what Mumbai Indians have been looking for him. He said that he would be ready for any kind of challenge and also expressed his gratitude towards his franchise.
Tilak Varma added that Rohit Sharma has allowed him to be in the comfort zone and the skipper is also his childhood idol. Speaking to Sportstar, he explained:
“I have been doing what my franchisee Mumbai Indians has been looking for from my side. Focussing on the team’s needs and trying to be consistent. Whatever role I am assigned I am ready for the challenge.
“Thankfully, Mumbai Indians has been a great franchise for me, always backing me right from the start, mostly playing me in the eleven which is itself a huge morale-booster. With Rohit Sharma bhai being such a successful captain and also my childhood idol, I have been in such a comfort zone, and I am lucky to have played under him.”
I want to play freely and consistently – Tilak Varma
Tilak Varma admitted that his performances for Mumbai Indians helped him to play for the Indian team. He added that playing for the national team made him play with a different mindset. The batter also expressed his desire to play freely and consistently.
“Definitely, my performances with Mumbai Indians did help me in the process of being picked for the Indian team. Frankly, there were no real big changes in my game after joining Mumbai Indians.
“A little bit of maturity, a different mindset playing with seniors and also interacting with other big players from different franchisees helped me a lot. I want to play freely and consistently every time I am given the opportunity.”
Tilak Varma has played for India in four ODIs and 16 T20Is. The upcoming edition of the IPL will be crucial for him as it will make his case strong for the T20 World Cup 2024 selection.