Always believed that he is destined to be a big player: Tilak Varma’s childhood coach Salam Bayash

Young batting sensation Tilak Varma made his international debut in the opening T20I of the five-game series against the West Indies. The 20-year-old made an impressive start, scoring 39 in the game, which they lost by four runs. He maintained the momentum in the second T20I, scoring a half-century (51 off 41) in India's two-wicket loss.

Following his outstanding performance, Tilak’s childhood coach Salam Bayash expressed happiness and lauded the Andhra Pradesh-born batter. Bayash highlighted Tilak's background and revealed some unheard stories.

“He belongs to a very humble background and his family has taught him to give respect to the teacher. Talking about him, he too is a very humble kid. Main mehnat karaya, vo mehnat kiya, dene wala to upar wala hi hai (I made him work hard; he did work hard. Rest lies in the hand of the Almighty). I’m very happy for him. Every coach wants to see his student playing for the country and my wish got fulfilled,” the coach told News18.

The coach further opened up about how he learned that his former student was named to the Indian national team. He also stated that he has always believed that Tilak has the potential to be a major player.

“The moment he got selected for the Indian team, he called me up on video call. I was driving at that point of time. But he kept on calling and finally I parked my vehicle and picked his call. He then broke the news to me that he was selected in the Indian team. Sir mera Indian team mein naam agya. He was delighted and so was I. I always believed that he is destined to be a big player and we just kept working hard towards this,” the coach added.

Meanwhile, speaking of the second T20I, India won the toss and opted to bat first but their decision backfired as the West Indies bowlers restricted them to a par 152/7. Tilak top-scored for the tourists, scoring a 41-ball 51 runs, including five boundaries and one six.

Meanwhile, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, and Romario Shepherd picked two wickets each for the hosts. In reply, wicketkeeper-batter Nicholas Pooran scored a blistering 67-run knock to help his side chase down the target with seven balls to spare.