Tilak Varma greets fans after India won the Asia Cup final against Pakistan in Dubai (AP Photo)Tilak Varma said that while he agrees with his captain Suryakumar Yadav’s statement that there is no rivalry any more between India and Pakistan, they were prepared for the opposition to come prepared in the Asia Cup final. While India eased past Pakistan in the group stage and Super Fours of the Asia Cup, it turned out to be a much closer contest in the final. It was Tilak who hunkered down and pretty much abandoned India’s usual big-hitting ways to steer them to victory.
“I agree with Surya bhai’s statement of ‘no rivalry’ but this is sports and we knew that they will come prepared for the final,” Tilak told reporters after he returned home. “We were expecting that and we were prepared when they took the pace off the ball and the pitch was also not easy to bat on. We made some good partnerships and won the match and are proud of that.”
Tilak said that while he is happy that he helped India win the Asia Cup, his real target is the T20 World Cup which will be played next year. “I am happy that I could make India win the Asia Cup. I started playing cricket after the 2011 World Cup. The (T20) World Cup is going to take place soon. That is my real aim. I will get sleep only after I win the World Cup,” he added.
Tilak did not forget to thank his childhood coaches, who shaped his early career. “Everyone knows my name now, everyone knows who Tilak Varma is. But when nobody knew me, my coaches were with me, backed me big time, and have helped me build and shape my career since I was a child.
“Ups and downs are a part of the game. I started at Legala Cricket Academy, and whenever I practice here, I gain confidence. I know if I’m on this soil, I’ll get confidence. My coaches, Salam (Bayash) sir and Prithvi sir, are everything to me, and they’ve done a lot for me. Special thanks to the Hyderabad Cricket Association and the BCCI for giving me this opportunity,” he signed off
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