'Catch came through the lights' - Tilak Varma provides update on potential head injury in Centurion

After losing the second T20I by three wickets, India made a strong comeback in the third ODI on November 13, at the SuperSport Park in Centurion, and beat South Africa by 11 runs. It was a welcoming sight for the Indian team as Abhishek Sharma was back in form scoring 50 off 25. However, the game-changing knock which helped India post a fighting total (219/6) was that of Tilak Varma.

The youngster played a surreal innings and smashed eight boundaries and seven maximums. The onslaught helped him remain unbeaten on 107 off 56 balls and ended with a strike rate of 191.07. This was Southpaw’s maiden international century and he expressed this moment as his dream.

But amidst all the right things happening for the 22-year-old, he landed in trouble when he tried to save a maximum while fielding. In a bid to save the lump sum of runs, he failed to achieve what he aimed and landed on the ground with his head taking a blow. The physiotherapist checked for his concussion, and Tilak Varma was allowed to continue.

“I am okay, the catch came through the lights, so a little difficult but happy for the win,” Tilak was quoted as saying by India Today.

All credit goes to captain Suryakumar Yadav: Varma

Besides, the 22-year-old also thanked India captain, Suryakumar Yadav for promoting him up the order. Interestingly, Yadav had revealed that before the third game, Tilak had approached him in his hotel room asking for a promotion at the top, in order to prove his mettle with the bat for Team India.

Also Read: Suryakumar reveals Varma's request after second T20I

“I couldn't imagine and I cannot put down in words. It was my dream and it was the right time to score a hundred for my team. A kind of a decider in the series. Under the pressure, it was a good knock. All credit goes to captain Suryakumar Yadav. He has given me an opportunity (at three),” he concluded.