Tilak Varma, the young batting sensation who took the Indian Premier League (IPL) by storm, is quietly carving a path towards becoming a formidable all-rounder. While his explosive batting skills have already earned him a coveted spot in the Indian team, Varma is now focusing intently on enhancing his red-ball capabilities. His dedication is evident in the way he spends hours at the nets, working tirelessly on his bowling, even after a grueling batting session.
“Especially with the red ball, I am focusing a lot on my game as an all-rounder. If I perform well in the longest format, it’s very easy to go and deliver with the white ball, so that’s why I’m bowling a lot nowadays,” Tilak explains with a determined glint in his eye.
His commitment to this journey stems from a deep-rooted ambition to be a complete cricketer. After all, Varma’s potential as an all-format player has already been acknowledged by none other than India’s former captain, Rohit Sharma.
“Having such a calm head is never easy, and in my opinion, I feel he’s going to be an all-format player for India pretty soon. He’s got the technique; he’s got the temperament, which is the most important thing when you play at the highest level. When you speak to him, there’s hunger to do well and finish games. I think he’s on the right path; he just needs to keep growing and see how he can improve and get better as a player,” Rohit Sharma had said in a 2022 interview.
The Duleep Trophy has presented a timely opportunity for Tilak to put his all-round skills to the test. While the competition serves as a selection trial for the Indian team, Tilak sees it as a crucial stepping stone towards achieving his larger goal.
“For every player, it’s a selection match. Duleep Trophy is a big tournament. But ultimately, you are a part of a team; we always play for everyone on the team,” Tilak says, displaying his team-first attitude.
Although his IPL success propelled him onto the international stage, Tilak acknowledges that his journey towards becoming a complete all-rounder has been slightly delayed due to a lack of focus on red-ball cricket in the early stages of his career. He is determined to make amends, though, and is aiming to make a strong impression in the upcoming Ranji Trophy season.
“For Hyderabad, I have not been playing a lot in red ball cricket, to be honest. So, from last year, I have become a regular for Hyderabad. It was unfortunate we were in the plate division. It is good to be back in the league again. The ultimate goal for me is, obviously, winning the Ranji Trophy, but I know it’s still far away from happening. Right now, we are just focusing on the qualification [to the knockouts], and after that, we’ll plan one by one according to the game at hand,” Tilak says.
Tilak’s unwavering commitment and relentless work ethic are evident in his approach to both batting and bowling. He is not one to be satisfied with mere average performances; he is hungry for excellence and driven by a desire to make a lasting impact on the Indian cricket scene. With the Duleep Trophy providing a perfect platform to showcase his all-round prowess, Tilak Varma is poised to take a significant leap forward in his journey toward becoming a true all-format player.
