'Whenever you lead India A, think of India' - Tilak Varma reveals Gautam Gambhir's advice ahead of tri-nation series in Sri Lanka

Tilak Varma is all set to lead a young and talented India A side during the tri-nation series in Sri Lanka. Apart from India A, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan's 'A' teams are also going to be in action.

The series begins on Tuesday, July 9, with India A facing Sri Lanka A at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. Ahead of the series, Tilak, who has also been appointed vice-captain of India's T20I team, revealed what advice head coach Gautam Gambhir gave him ahead of the A tour.

“When u see that VC [vice-captain] in front of your name, it means there is more maturity coming into that senior category. Gautam sir always told me: ‘Whenever you lead India A, keep this in mind that you have to do that for India also," Tilak told RevSportz from Dambulla.

"So, I observe a lot and learn a lot on the ground. I was prepared and got the opportunity at the right time. I never dreamt of leading my country. It’s a big opportunity. Leading the country is the biggest thing. I’m feeling no pressure, just added responsibility," he added.

Tilak also mentioned that he tries to pick the brains of Rohit Sharma, who is a five-time IPL-winning captain and also led India to ICC titles like the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy. The southpaw said that he would use things he learned by spending time with Rohit and help India's new T20I skipper, Shreyas Iyer.

“I don’t talk much about batting with Rohit Bhai. Just the captaincy things – by seeing him and asking a lot. I ask about the mindset and thinking under pressure. With all that, I will try to help Shreyas," he added.

He doesn’t need to change anything: Tilak Varma on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

While Tilak's captaincy would be a talking point during the series, the spotlight will remain on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's performances after his stellar IPL campaign and a subsequent maiden call-up to the national team. Tilak said that he will give the 15-year-old the freedom to take the bowlers on from the word go.

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“He has earned everything. I won’t say much to him. He doesn’t need to change anything. 'You think you want to hit the first ball? Hit it,'" Tilak stated.