India and Mumbai Indians (MI) cricketer Tilak Varma spoke about playing under the leadership of Rohit Sharma. He said that he has been lucky to have played with the senior opener as he has been his childhood hero.

Tilak Varma is undoubtedly one of the most talented youngsters in Indian cricket. A Mumbai Indians product, who came into the picture in 2021, has shown great composure on the international stage and has played some sensational innings for the team.

Tilak Varma has become the backbone of Mumbai Indians in IPL in such a short time and is also a vital part of the Indian team. The batsman, under Rohit Sharma, has been doing great things and has looked very settled in the crease. Apart from this, he has also been skillful with the ball.

As India look to play against batsmen who can contribute with the ball, Tilak Varma can be a big asset to the team in the future. Even captain Rohit Sharma has spoken openly about the young batsman and said that he can do great things in the future.

Tilak Varma said that he is trying to fulfill the needs and is trying to do what the Mumbai Indians have been looking for him. He said that he would be ready for any kind of challenge and also expressed his gratitude towards his franchise.

Tilak Varma added that Rohit Sharma has allowed him to be in the comfort zone and the captain is also his childhood idol. Speaking to Sportstar, he explained:

“I have been doing what my franchisee Mumbai Indians was looking for from me. Focusing on the needs of the team and trying to be consistent. Whatever role is assigned to me, I am ready for the challenge.

“Fortunately, Mumbai Indians have been a great franchise for me, they have always supported me from the beginning, especially playing with me in the playing XI, which in itself is a huge morale booster. Since Rohit Sharma bhai is such a successful captain and also my childhood idol, I have been in a comfort zone and I am lucky to have played with him.”

I want to play freely and consistently – Tilak Varma

Tilak Varma admitted that his performances for Mumbai Indians helped him play for the Indian team. He added that playing with the national team made him play with a different mentality. The batsman also expressed his desire to play freely and consistently.

“My performances for Mumbai Indians definitely helped me in the process of getting picked for the Indian team. Frankly, there were no big changes in my game after joining Mumbai Indians.

“A little maturity, a different mentality from playing with seniors and also interacting with other great players from different franchises helped me a lot. “I want to play freely and consistently every chance I get.”

Tilak Varma has played for India in four ODIs and 16 T20Is. The upcoming edition of the IPL will be crucial for him as it will strengthen his case for selection for the 2024 T20 World Cup.