I am here because of my performances in IPL, two seasons were my turning point: Tilak Varma

India batter Tilak Varma expressed that his impressive performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) helped him earn a spot in the national team. Notably, Tilak dazzled with the bat as he notched up his maiden T20I half-century despite ending up on the losing side.

In the first innings, Tilak raised an important partnership with Ishan Kishan of 42 runs and scored 51 off 41 balls which featured five fours and a solitary maximum. It is worth mentioning that the southpaw played quite a few vital knocks in the IPL 2023, accumulating 343 runs in 11 matches, at a solid average of 42.88.

Tilak acknowledged that it was the lucrative T20 competition that helped him make his mark and earn the India call-up. In addition to this, he further stated that it was head coach Rahul Dravid and Hardik Pandya, who played a part in building his confidence of batting in the shortest format.

"Everyone knows that the two IPL seasons were my turning point. I am here because of my performances there. So, I am just playing with that confidence and going forward I want to continue what I've been doing,” Tilak was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

"I have been with Rahul (Dravid) sir since the Under-19 World Cup. He always says to follow your basics and spend as much time in the 22 yards between the wickets. He always says to enjoy your game as much as you can. When I was talking to Hardik (Pandya) bhai also, he says the same thing, that you've done well in IPL and domestic, so this is the same thing you should do in international cricket. Follow your basics and enjoy your game,” he added.

Speaking about the match, the Men in Blue endured yet another loss at the hands of the West Indies courtesy of Nicholas Pooran’s brutal 40-ball 67. With this, the home side extended their lead 2-0 and will be gunning to take an unassailable lead in the third T20I which is slated to be played on Tuesday, August 8, at the Providence Stadium in Guyana.