Young India batter Tilak Varma opened up about the boost he gets from sharing the dressing room with icons Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. For him, being around two of India’s most experienced and influential players significantly lifts his belief and mindset. Tilak explained that the presence of both senior stars naturally elevates his confidence as a player.
He also expressed that he feels more at home in the longer versions of the game, where there is space to build an innings and showcase temperament. As he put it, “ODI and Test cricket feel like my game because I enjoy the longer format. I’m really excited to play more ODIs as well. When Rohit bhai and Virat bhai are in the same team, the confidence level is completely different.”
This experience, according to Tilak, has been valuable not just for his development but also for his motivation to perform consistently.
Learning From Virat Kohli’s Intensity
Tilak further revealed his admiration for Virat Kohli’s commitment to fitness and preparation, saying that much of his learning has come through conversations with the former captain.
He appreciates Kohli’s unmatched intensity when it comes to taking singles, doubles, and maintaining energy throughout an innings. Tilak shared that he regularly seeks guidance from Kohli on how to maximise scoring opportunities and stay sharp between the wickets.
Reflecting on this mentorship, he said, “I speak to Virat bhai a lot, especially about fitness and running between the wickets. His intensity is incredible. I love running too, and I feel I’m pretty quick, so I really enjoy that part of the game.”
For Tilak, this exchange of knowledge has strengthened his approach, making him more aware of the physical demands of international cricket and what it takes to remain at the top level.
Determination to Prove Himself Across Formats
Although Tilak Varma has been picked only for the T20I squad in the upcoming home series against South Africa, he remains eager to establish himself as an all-format player. His ambition is to show the selectors that he possesses the skills and mindset needed for ODIs and Tests. Tilak emphasised that every opportunity matters, and he wants to finish games decisively when given the chance.
As he stated, “Whatever opportunities I get against South Africa, I want to finish those matches. I want to prove myself in ODIs and Tests too. I’m challenging myself to perform in the longer formats and grow as an individual player.”
Focused and determined, Tilak believes that consistent performances will help him carve out a long-term role in India’s multi-format squad.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.
