India batter Tilak Varma remarked that sharing the dressing room with both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli gives him a lot of confidence. He also stated that he enjoys playing the longer formats more and, expressing his desire of playing more matches alongside Rohit and Virat.
Tilak has so far featured in only four ODIs, but has already become a regular for India in T20Is and has already made 36 appearances in the format. His last one-day apperance for the Men in Ble came in December, 2023 against South Africa. Though the 23-year-old isn't being considered by the selectors for ODIs as of current, he is still hopeful of playing the format alongside Rohit and Virat.
"ODI and Test cricket feel like my game because I enjoy 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 on JioStar.
Tilak on seeking Virat's advice
Tilak also revealed that he has talked with Virat on multiple occasions and has seeked his advice on fitness and running between the wickets..
"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," Tilak stated.
Tilak eager to grow as a player
Though he has only been selected in India's T20I squad for the multi-format home series against South Africa, Tilak is eager to prove himself to the selectors for both Tests and ODIs. He also hopes to grow as an individual player in the coming future.
"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," Tilak further said.
Meanwhile, India will have the chance of sealing the three-match ODI series against South Africa in the upcoming game on December 3. After winning by 17 runs in the first ODI, the Men in Blue will seal the series if they go on to win the second ODI that is set to be held in Raipur.