'Want To Play Freely And Consistently'- Tilak Varma Eyeing T20 World Cup Ticket
Tilak Varma has played 16 T20Is for India [X.com]
Tilak Varma is keen to play an aggressive brand of cricket while still being consistent and dependable for Team India as the young Hyderabad batter eyes a spot for himself in the T20 World Cup 2024 squad in the West Indies & USA.
The middle-order southpaw, aged just 21, has been part of India's T20I set-up since July, when he made his debut against the West Indies on the back of a pair of impressive IPL campaigns for five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI).
From his 16 T20Is, the ambitious batter has made runs at a strike rate of 139.41, averaging a healthy 33.60 with two half-centuries and a best of 55 not out. Tilak was part of India's squad when they took on Afghanistan in January.
Tilak Varma Eyeing T20 World Cup Spot
Keen to board the flight to the Caribbean & USA for the T20 World Cup 2024, Tilak said his immediate focus is on performing whenever he bats, be it for Hyderabad in the Ranji Trophy or MI when the IPL 2024 starts.
"I have been doing what my franchise Mumbai Indians has been looking for from me. Focusing on the team’s needs and trying to be consistent. Whatever role I am assigned I am ready for the challenge," Tilak told The Hindu in an interview.
"Frankly, there were no real big changes in my game after joining Mumbai Indians. A little bit of maturity, a different mindset playing with seniors and also interacting with other big players from different franchisees helped me a lot. I want to play freely and consistently every time I am given the opportunity," he added.
Tilak was also part of the team's plans leading into the ICC World Cup 2023 at home in October-November and has played 4 ODIs for India.