Tilak Varma’s coach to witness India-Pakistan clash

Salam Bayash, coach of Indian cricketer Tilak Varma, will witness his protégé play against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup in Colombo. Bayash, Tilak’s mentor since school days, called it a dream come true after 25 years of coaching

Hyderabad: For Salam Bayash, coach of Indian cricketer Tilak Varma, it will be a dream come true to witness the India-Pakistan clash on Sunday in the T20 World Cup in Colombo.

“I am all set to fulfil a long-standing dream as I watch my protégé Tilak Varma of Hyderabad take on Pakistan at the Premadasa Stadium in the T20 World Cup today,” he said from Colombo.

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“This will be my first international match to witness live at the stadium, a moment I’ve been waiting for, given my pivotal role in shaping Tilak’s cricketing career,” Bayash said.

Bayash has been Tilak’s mentor since his school days. The duo continued their partnership at Legala Cricket Academy, Lingampally, where Bayash provided Tilak with the necessary infrastructure and training to excel.

“It’s always been my dream to see my student play on international turf, and it’s connected with lots of emotions,” said Bayash, reflecting on his 25-year coaching career.

Notably, Bayash hasn’t watched an international match in 25 years, underscoring the significance of this moment.

Tilak Varma’s rise to stardom is a testament to Bayash’s dedication, who went to great lengths to support his student’s cricketing ambitions, including riding 40 kilometres daily to pick Tilak up and train him.

Salam Bayash expressed his gratitude to M D Prithvi Reddy of Legala Cricket Academy for his immense support and providing necessary infrastructure for Tilak’s training. He also thanked the Hyderabad Cricket Association and affiliated clubs for their support over the years.