Young Hyderabad batter Tilak Varma finally made his India debut in the first T20I against West Indies in Trinidad on August 3 and top-scored for his team while impressing one and all with his composure and strokeplay.
Varma, 20, came into the limelight for his exploits in the U19 World Cup 2020 and then was picked by Mumbai Indians in their IPL 2022 squad, where he showcased great ability to hit big shots with great ease.
After two brilliant IPL seasons for the MI franchise, Varma was finally awarded his maiden call-up in the Indian team for the Asian Games and the tour of West Indies as well.
And in his debut innings in Trinidad, he hammered back-to-back sixes on the second and third balls he faced, scoring 39 in 22 balls with 2 fours and 3 sixes, though India lost the match by 4 runs, chasing 150.
His whirlwind knock was hugely applauded by his Mumbai Indians teammate Dewald Brevis who sent a video message to congratulate Tilak on his impactful debut for India.
“Hey brother, I hope you are very excited. I don’t know If I am more excited than you, but I just want to say from my side and the Brevis family, congratulations on your debut. It’s such a great moment for you and your family.
I can just imagine how happy your parents and everyone must be. It’s great to see you out there, living your dream. Those shots on the second and third ball gave me goosebumps. You always have my support and all the best for the rest of the series. I’m backing you fully and go win every game for Team India. Cheers brother,” Brevis said in the video.
Tilak was caught unaware by the heartwarming gesture by Brevis.
He said: “I was thinking about it could be my coach, my family, but it was Dewald Brevis, my brother. Thank you so much, my brother. I always love you. I appreciate your message. See you soon, and thank you so much.”
The young batter took to Twitter on Friday and expressed his emotions on a remarkable debut for Team India.
“Grateful for the opportunity to represent my country. Thank you to everyone who has supported me, backed me, and helped me get this far. Thank you to everyone for all your wishes,” Tilak wrote.
