Ravi Shastri backs Tilak Varma to represent Indian Cricket Team in near future

Tilak Varma has scored 611 runs in 19 matches at a strike rate of 139.50 and an average of 40.73 in the IPL.

Former India cricketer Ravi Shastri has lavished rich praise on Tilak Varma, who plays for Mumbai Indians (MI) in the ongoing IPL 2023 and has done very well after debuting for the five-time champions last year.

The left-hander hails from Hyderabad and in the ongoing IPL 2023, has scored 214 runs in 5 matches with one fifty to his name. He had an excellent IPL 2022 as well, scoring 397 runs in 14 matches with 2 fifties.  

MI has supported the youngster from the get-go as they are known to pick the best talent and give a platform to them to perform. Some examples of MI players doing big things are Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik and Krunal Pandya, and Suryakumar Yadav.

Now, it seems they have another future star in their hands in the form of 20-year-old batter Tilak Varma. Varma has averaged a stunning 53.50 at a strike rate of 158.52 this season and has been MI's highest run scorer despite batting at No.5.

All in all, the left-hander has scored 611 runs in 19 matches at a strike rate of 139.50 and an average of 40.73 in his short IPL career.

Tilak Varma has got a wide range of shots, he has got the temperament: Ravi Shastri

Meanwhile, the young southpaw received huge praise from ex-India captain Ravi Shastri, who stated that Varma will be knocking on the doors of the national team soon.

“A standout player is Tilak Varma, who I think I said in the second game or third game on the commentary I said he is an India Player in the near future. He will be banging that door down because he has got that all-round ability not just to finish it off at the end, the clarity of thought when he comes out to bat, what impresses me the most is his first ten balls, he is not afraid to take his chances, play shots, back his strengths,” said Shastri on ESPNCricinfo.

Shastri noted that Varma has been going after bowlers regardless of who they are and how big a name the player is in the international circuit.

"As Rohit said a very good line at the presentation yesterday (he doesn't play the bowler, he plays the ball), he is not worried about the reputation in the sense that he is not overawed by the bowler, he plays what’s on offer, he plays irrespective of the name, he doesn't play the name, he plays the ball and which is there for everyone to see.

He has got a wide range of shots, he has got the temperament, he looked very good last year but he is looking better this year, you watch for players who improve," said Shastri.

Varma will be in action when MI faces Punjab Kings at Wankhede Stadium on April 22, 2023.