- Shamser Khalid
Tilak Varma's Parents React to His Team India Selection
Tilak Varma, a young and talented cricketer, has received his first call-up to represent the Indian national team in the upcoming five-match T20I series against West Indies. Varma's selection came as a surprise to him, as he had not been thinking about making it into the Indian squad. Interestingly, it was his childhood friend who informed him about his inclusion.
Upon hearing the news, Varma's parents were overwhelmed with emotions, and they were moved to tears. When Varma spoke to them through a video call, he could sense their excitement and support. His coach, Salam Bayash, also had a similar emotional reaction to the news. This outpouring of emotions from his loved ones further boosted Varma's confidence.
"I was not thinking about the national side. My mom and dad were literally crying yesterday (Wednesday). I made a video call to them and they were very emotional. My coach (Salam Bayash) also had the same reaction, very emotional,” Varma said.
Despite the overwhelming emotions, Varma felt a surge of confidence as he stepped onto the field alongside Mayank Agarwal. He believed that being selected for the national team elevated his self-confidence. He stated, "I was confident because I was thinking that now I am a capped player. I was confident yesterday as well, but it was different."
Currently, Varma is representing the South Zone in the ongoing Duldeep Trophy 2023. In a recent match against the North Zone in Bengaluru, he showcased his talent by scoring a courageous innings of 46 runs. His performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 for the Mumbai Indians were also impressive. He accumulated 343 runs from 11 matches, with an average of 42.87.
During the IPL, Varma had to miss five matches due to an injury. However, he made a strong comeback for the playoffs and contributed significantly with scores of 26 and 43 in the Eliminator and Qualifier 2 matches, respectively. His performances garnered appreciation from various quarters, and now he has a golden opportunity to establish himself as a key player in the star-studded Indian T20I team by scoring big runs against West Indies.
Varma has been fortunate to receive valuable guidance and feedback from legendary cricketers such as Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli. These experienced players have emphasized the importance of maintaining the right mindset off the field to achieve success on it. They have advised Varma to visualize his batting approach and strategize for different situations, such as a World Cup match where the team is struggling with a few early wickets. By following this advice, Varma aims to develop a strong and focused mindset, which will aid him in future matches.
The much-anticipated five-match T20I series between India and West Indies is set to commence on August 3 at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad. Varma is eager to make the most of this opportunity and showcase his skills on the international stage. With the support of his loved ones, the guidance from cricketing legends, and his own determination, Varma is prepared to seize this chance to shine and contribute to the success of the Indian team.
