Tilak says he enjoys ODI & Test cricket format

Tilak Varma says he loves ODI and Test cricket and learns a lot from Rohit and Virat, especially about intensity and fitness. He credits Gautam Gambhir for pushing him in practice and hopes to prove himself in the South Africa series. Dale Steyn expects top batters to shine

HYDERABAD: Indian cricketer Tilak Varma says that the ODI and Test cricket feel like his game because he enjoys the longer format.

“I’m really excited to play more ODIs as well. When Rohit bhai and Virat bhai are in the same team, the confidence level is completely different,” Tilak said in JioHotstar’s show ‘Follow The Blues’.

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“They have so much experience and knowledge, and I try to take as much advice from them as possible to get better. I speak to Virat bhai a lot, especially about fitness and running between the wickets. His intensity is incredible. I love running too, and I feel I’m pretty quick, so I really enjoy that part of the game. If we play together, running between the wickets with him is something I look forward to,” Tilak said.

On guidance from Head Coach Gautam Gambhir, the Hyderabadi said that “Gautam sir always gives me confidence. He tells me that if you have the skill, you can play all formats and do well in all formats.”

“He (Gambhir) puts me under pressure in practice sessions so I can learn how to handle pressure in matches. He keeps challenging me because he believes I have the capability. That backing means a lot to me,” he said

On the ongoing series against South Africa, Tilak said, “Whatever opportunities I get against South Africa, I want to finish those matches. I want to prove myself in ODIs and Tests too. I’m challenging myself to perform in the longer formats and grow as an individual player.”

For his part, former South African fast bowler and now TV commentator, Dale Steyn, said that he thought the Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma show would continue.

“I’m eager to see which fast bowlers, and which spinners, come out and do something interesting. It’s been a batter’s paradise so far, so which bowlers will step up and really perform in the second ODI? Quinton de Kock didn’t score any runs in the first ODI, but I feel like he has a point to prove. He’s someone South Africa will lean on to score big for them,” he explained.