IND vs SA 2025: ‘When Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are in the team, confidence level is completely different’ – Tilak Varma

On the sidelines of the ongoing three-match ODI series between India and South Africa, Tilak Varma spoke about his experience of sharing the dressing room with stalwarts like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

While Tilak has cemented his spot in India’s T20I setup, he is still finding his feet in the ODI format. The southpaw said that he enjoys playing the longer formats more. He also mentioned that his confidence level skyrockets when he plays alongside Kohli and Rohit.

“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,” Varma said on JioStar.

The left-handed batter stated that he tries to pick the brains of Rohit and Kohli and uses their advice to improve his game.

“They have so much experience and knowledge, and I try to take as much advice from them as possible to get better,” he added.

I speak to Virat bhai a lot, especially about fitness and running between the wickets: Tilak

Tilak said that he enjoys discussing fitness and running between the wickets with Kohli. The Hyderabad batter said that if he gets the opportunity to bat with the former India captain, the one thing he will look forward to the most is running quickly 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. If we play together, running between the wickets with him is something I look forward to,” he said.

About his personal goals, Tilak said that he is looking to finish games for his team and perform in the longer formats, as he believes that it will help him improve as a player.

“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,” he concluded.