Xtra Time Web Desk: Despite the loss by 4 runs to West Indies in the first T20I at the Brian Lara stadium on Thursday, the Indian team management will be happy with the impressive debut by Tilak Varma. The youngster from Hyderabad scored an impressive 39 runs off 22 balls at No. 4 which included three sixes and a four. The two consecutive sixes against Alzarri Joseph left everyone amazed. The 143 kmph and 146 kmph express deliveries were clobbered into the stands by Tilak.
Tilak did show a glimpse of his potentiality in front of Team India Head Coach Rahul Dravid and batting coach Vikram Rathour during the optional practice session at the Brian Lara Academy stadium on Wednesday. He confidently batted against the likes of Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Yuzuvendra Chahal and Ravi Bishnoi.
Followed by his knock at the nets, Tilak spent a few minutes with Head Coach Rahul Dravid. On Thursday, he did not let down Dravid and teammates. Although he was dismissed by Romario Shepherd, he brought India closer to sealing the first game of the series.
Verma was drafted into the T20I side following two great IPL seasons for Mumbai Indians, in which he scored an aggregate total of 740 runs in just 25 matches at an average of 38.95. In the 2022 IPL season, which was arguably one of the worst seasons for the Mumbai Indians as a team, Tilak was the biggest positive for the team.
West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder did admit after the match that the dismissal of Tilak was crucial as he seemed taking away the match.
Arshdeep Singh also lauded Tilak’s effort with the bat on his debut. According to Arshdeep, it was never easy for a debutant to go out in a run chase but he showed he has the potentiality to win matches for India in the future.