Follow UsTilak Varma is only 21 but the left-handed dasher has already played two seasons of the Indian Premier League and represented India in ODIs and T20Is. Tilak has an impressive record in the IPL - 740 runs in 25 innings @ 38.95 and a strike rate of 144.53 - and wants to use all his experience to make a mark for Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2024.
“Yes, obviously, I am looking forward to it. Last year was a good season, but now, as a senior player and having played for India, I have a slightly bigger responsibility to play mature innings. As I have said previously, I always want to finish games, and I have good knowledge and experience of it when playing for India, so I am looking forward to using it now,” said Tilak ahead of the game against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on March 24 (Sunday).
“Last season, I played a few games with an aggressive approach. I would have good starts but would get out early. But in the next few games, I would end with scores of 30s and 40s. I was close to finishing the games. So those things (when playing for India) would be a bit different as my strike rate would be initially low, but I would pick it up later as games progressed. I hope to use this learning in my batting for IPL 2024.”
Last season, the Titans scored more runs than any other team in the death overs. They had the second-best scoring rate (11.7) and have some quality finishers in their arsenal. GT would be up against Mumbai who had the worst economy rate (11.8) and balls/wicket (3.6) in the final five overs last season. This year, however, MI will have Jasprit Bumrah back, and the onus will be on him to take care of the death bowling.
“You see, he (Bumrah) is the World's No. 1 bowler and a very experienced bowler. Especially if you look at T20 cricket, he's got a lot of experience. Not only in T20 cricket but in every format, he is the biggest bowler for India and in world cricket, giving confidence to youngsters and the team. He's also calm under pressure, which helps the team and the youngsters like me or the bowlers and batters; you can just tell he's experienced at everything, so it helps a lot.”
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