Tilak Varma on being called up for the Asia Cup and his conversation with Rohit Sharma: “Confident That I Can Do Well In ODIs”

The only member of India’s Asia Cup team who hasn’t played in an ODI is attacking batsman Tilak Varma, who is currently in fine form. In the just finished five-match series against the West Indies, he played his maiden T20I, scoring 39, 51, and 49* in the first three games. He is also the youngest participant on the Indian continental cup team.

The 20-year-old is now playing in a three-match T20I series in Ireland. India now leads 2-0 and hopes to complete a sweep in the last T20I on Wednesday.

The Mumbai batsman, who never imagined playing in his first ODI during the Asia Cup, is optimistic about carrying on his successful run in Sri Lanka.

“I never imagined making my Asia Cup debut right away, much alone in the one-day side. I had a recurring dream that I would make my ODI debut for India. But for me, it’s a major deal. And I’ve always envisioned this, like making my ODI debut for India in just one year, making my T20I debut, and then unexpectedly receiving a summons for the Asia Cup in the following month. I’m just getting ready for it, so sure, it is one of my aspirations,” Tilak said in a video that BCCI uploaded on X, now known as Twitter.

“I’ve played ODI cricket for a long time, like you stated, like in List A cricket, so I feel very good about playing one-day cricket. I’ve performed well for my state in List A cricket, and the teams have also performed well, so I’m quite certain that I can do well in ODIs, so I’m looking forward to it,” he said.

Tilak has participated in 25 games for the Mumbai Indians while Rohit has served as captain, scoring 740 runs, including three half-centuries, at an average of 38.95. The left-handed batsman also remembered Rohit’s unwavering assistance in the early stages of his IPL career.

“Rohit bhaiya supported me constantly. He used to approach me while I was competing in the IPL as well. I was a little anxious when I first started playing in the IPL, but he came over to me by himself and chatted to me about the game, telling me to always have fun and feel free. You may text or come to me whenever you want to chat, and I’ll always be available, Tilak stated.

IPL was where I first expressed myself, and I’m expressing myself elsewhere. I do, so every time. I always chat to him. Only one thing, he continued, is necessary to enjoy your game. I’m doing that, then. Yes, I’m thrilled to be there and I hope to succeed as well. To like what I’m doing right now. I simply want to have fun there too,” Varma said.