One of the notable selection decisions made by the BCCI committee for the Indian squad for the Asia Cup 2023 tournament was the inclusion of 20-year-old Tilak Varma, who impressed one and all in the T20Is against West Indies.

Varma, who was part of the India 2020 U19 World Cup team, made quite a splash in the IPL 2022 and 2023 seasons, hammering more than 300 runs both times, and has shown tremendous temperament under pressure situations.

He received his maiden India call-up for the West Indies T20I series and scored 173 runs in five matches he played including one fifty and showed the ability to score from the get-go. He will also be seen in the Indian team which will go to China for the upcoming Asian Games.  

Varma’s brilliance didn’t go unnoticed as the selection committee found him worthy to be traveling to Sri Lanka for the forthcoming Asia Cup, starting August 30. The batter himself was stunned after being picked for the continental championship which happens to be his maiden ODI call-up.

“I have never thought of making an ODI debut directly in the Asia Cup. I have always dreamt of playing for India but debuting in two formats in a single year is a big thing for me so I’m preparing for it,” Varma said in a BCCI video.

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Varma plays for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma and credited the opener for showing faith in him which led to him being confident to play on such a big stage.

“Rohit Bhai has always backed me, even in the IPL. I was very nervous when I joined the team [Mumbai Indians], but he was the one who came to me and spoke to me. He asked me to enjoy the game and never hesitate to reach out. He said, ‘Feel free to contact me anytime. Text me or call me, and I’ll be there for you’,” Varma said.

“So that’s what I’m doing everywhere – expressing myself and enjoying the game. The same would be the approach for the Asia Cup as well. I’m happy about my selection,” he concluded.

The Asia Cup 2023 will begin on August 30 with the final to be played on September 17. The tournament will be played in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, with India playing its first match on September 2^nd against Pakistan and will then face Nepal on September 4^th.