Emotional Tilak Varma Credits West Indies Great's Advice On 'Right Mindset' Ahead Of Maiden India Tour

It was in the deep hours of Wednesday night Namboori Tilak Varma shared the news of his India selection to his parents, Nagaraju and Gayatri Devi, over a video call, The Namboori household soon was blanched with a whirlpool of emotions. It was a pleasant culmination of the dream they were cherishing since Tilak started his cricketing journey from the humble surroundings of Legala Cricket Academy in Lingampally, Hyderabad. After many hours, Tilak's voice was still a bit sandpapery while he recalled that moment.

"My mom and dad were literally crying yesterday. I made a video call to them and they were very emotional. My coach (Salam Bayash) also had the same reaction. He also became very emotional," Tilak, who is playing Duleep Trophy semi-final against North Zone, said after the end of second day's play.

On Wednesday, the 20-year-old stylish Hyderabad left-hander was drafted into the India T20I side for the series against West Indies.

It may be a coincidence that the man of the moment had to hear the big news from a childhood friend as his mobile phone was switched off because he was playing the Duleep Trophy semifinals here for South Zone.

Perhaps, it was destiny's way to involve all those who had travelled with Tilak in his growth to the top level.

"I was playing in the Duleep Trophy (hence the mobile was switched off). Later my childhood friend called me and said you are selected, and that is when I came to know about it…around 8'o clock in the night," he said.

Along with that inborn ability to concentrate on the job at hand, Tilak said playing for Mumbai Indians in the IPL has helped him prepare for the moment of his life.

"I will always back myself in any situation. I try to be clear in my mindset because Kieron