‘Text me or call me, I’ll be there for you’ – Tilak Varma opens up on Rohit Sharma’s role following Asia Cup squad selection

India batter Tilak Varma earned his maiden ODI call-up after the All-India Senior Selection Committee announced the 17-member squad for the Asia Cup, which is slated to begin on August 30. Tilak, who was overwhelmed with his selection, opened up on skipper Rohit Sharma’s support in his career.

Emerging as one of the most exciting prospects in Indian cricket, Tilak relished a stellar campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, which helped him garner massive limelight. In 11 outings for Mumbai Indians, Tilak slammed 343 runs, lacing it with one fifty at a solid average of 42.88. Delighted by his inclusion in India’s Asia Cup squad, Tilak expressed his gratitude and further acknowledged India and Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit’s soothing words during his IPL campaign.

"I never dreamed that I would be debuting directly in the Asia Cup, and that too in the one-day side. I was always dreaming that I would be debuting for India in ODIs. But it is a big thing for me. I got my T20I debut and suddenly, in the next month, I'm just getting a call for the Asia Cup. So yeah, it is one of my dreams and I'm just preparing for it," said Tilak on BCCI.tv.

"Rohit (Sharma) bhaiya always backed me. When I was playing in the IPL also, he used to come near me. I was a bit nervous when I was in the IPL at the start, so he only himself came near me and talked about the game and said that always enjoy your game and always feel free. Whenever you want to talk, you can come any time for me, text me or call me so I'll be there for you," he added.

Tilak Varma has not been among runs for Team India in ongoing Ireland tour

Tilak is currently in the midst of the three-match T20I series against Ireland. However, the batter has compiled underwhelming scores of 0 and one run, respectively, in the first two matches. With the third and final T20I to be played on August 23, Tilak will look to put in the hard yards and score big to regain confidence before turning his attention towards the crucial Asia Cup, which begins on August 30.