‘It’s a matter of pride, but my focus is…’: Tilak Varma on Virat Kohli comparisons after Pakistan heroics

Tilak Varma reveals ultimate goal after getting compared to legendary Virat Kohli. (Photo: X)

After notching up a match-winning knock against Pakistan in the Asia Cup final in Dubai while under pressure, Tilak Varma has become a cult hero. In the tough 147-run chase, Tilak kept the team in the hunt by forming vital middle-field partnerships when things were not going well for India.

In order to get the team over the finish line in the high-profile final, the left-handed batter assumed the responsibility and held one end while India continued to lose wickets at the other end.

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Varma first stitched a 57-run stand off 50 balls with Sanju Samson (24), before forging the decisive partnership with Shivam Dube, who struck 33 off 22. The duo added 60 runs from 40 deliveries to swing the game in India’s favour. Varma stayed unbeaten on 69 off 53 balls, capped by a crucial six off Haris Rauf in the final over. Ultimately, it was debutant Rinku Singh who sealed the win with a boundary off the very first ball he faced in the Asia Cup.

Following his match-winning knock, many began drawing comparisons between his valiant actions to those of Virat Kohli, who has led India to multiple victories over Pakistan.

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Although Varma was proud to be mentioned with such a great as Virat Kohli, he emphasized that helping India win is still his top focus.

“It is always a matter of pride when you get spoken in the same breath as a legend like Virat bhai. But my focus is just winning the matches for the country," Varma said at a press conference on Tuesday, as quoted by PTI.

Varma enjoyed India's arduous Asia Cup triumph, but he is still keen on more success in the future. The young star highlighted his ultimate ambition of winning the T20 World Cup trophy while reflecting on his path since he began playing cricket following the 2011 World Cup.

“I am happy that I could make India win the Asia Cup. I started playing cricket after the 2011 World Cup. The (T20) World Cup is going to take place soon. That is my real aim. I will get sleep only after I win the World Cup," Tilak added.