Gautam Gambhir Puts Me Under Pressure India’s Mentorship Ahead of 2nd ODI vs South Africa
Gautam Gambhir has played a pivotal role in shaping young Indian batter Tilak Varma‘s mindset and confidence, the 22-year-old revealed after India’s thrilling 17-run victory over South Africa in the first ODI at Ranchi. Varma, who is yet to make his Test debut, credited senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma along with coach Gambhir for helping him enhance not only his technical abilities but also his composure in high-pressure match situations.
Varma’s reflections provide a rare glimpse into the dynamics of India’s dressing room, highlighting how mentorship, guidance, and challenging practice environments are helping young players flourish in international cricket.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli: The Confidence Boosters
Tilak Varma emphasized the unparalleled confidence that comes from sharing the field with India’s senior batting stalwarts. He said:
“When Rohit bhai and Virat bhai are in the same team, the confidence level is completely different. They have so much experience and knowledge, and I try to take as much advice from them as possible to get better.”
Kohli’s record-extending 52nd ODI century and Rohit Sharma’s composed half-century were instrumental in India’s win in Ranchi. But beyond their runs, Varma highlighted their guidance, work ethic, and tactical inputs as a huge confidence booster for the young players.
“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,” Varma added.
For a young player like Varma, whose ODI career comprises 23 white-ball matches with 661 runs at an average of 38.88 and a strike rate of 73.60, this guidance is invaluable. With four fifties and one century to his name, he is emerging as a key middle-order batter for India, capable of handling both anchor and aggressor roles.
Gautam Gambhir’s Mentorship: Pressure as a Tool
One of the most revealing aspects of Varma’s interview was his discussion on India head coach Gautam Gambhir’s approach to developing young talent. Varma credited Gambhir for instilling self-belief while simultaneously putting him under challenging conditions in practice to simulate match pressure.
“Gautam sir always gives me confidence. He tells me that if you have the skill, you can play all formats and do well in all formats. He puts me under pressure in practice sessions so I can learn how to handle pressure in matches. He keeps challenging me because he believes I have the capability. That backing means a lot to me,” Varma explained.
Gambhir’s approach highlights a critical coaching philosophy: pressure in controlled environments prepares players for high-stakes situations in international cricket. By putting Varma and other young players in such scenarios, he ensures they develop the mental toughness required to perform consistently against top-tier opponents like South Africa.
From Domestic Star to International Cricketer
Tilak Varma’s rise has been swift but meticulously structured. After shining in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL), he earned his place in the national team, quickly making a mark with his composure, running between wickets, and ability to anchor or accelerate innings as required.
Despite India being whitewashed 0-2 in the Test series against South Africa prior to the ODI series, Varma’s growth and adaptability are evident. His white-ball form, coupled with mentorship from veterans, positions him as a player capable of bridging the gap between youth and experience in India’s squad.
Varma’s ability to thrive under pressure was on display in Ranchi. Chasing a challenging total, the young batter displayed maturity in shot selection, running, and rotating the strike — aspects he credits to lessons from both Kohli and Rohit.
The Role of Senior Players in Young Talent Development
Varma’s comments underscore the importance of senior players in India’s cricketing ecosystem. Veterans like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli not only perform with the bat but also mentor younger players, guiding them in technical adjustments, fitness routines, and mental preparation.
This mentorship is especially crucial in high-pressure scenarios. In the first ODI, Varma observed firsthand how the senior duo’s guidance could help young pacers, fielders, and batters make informed decisions during crucial moments of the game.
“They have so much experience and knowledge, and I try to take as much advice from them as possible to get better,” Varma said. This approach ensures that India’s young players not only learn skills but also develop strategic awareness and match temperament.
Confidence and Pressure: A Balancing Act
Tilak Varma’s reflections highlight a delicate balance between confidence and pressure. While Rohit and Kohli’s presence boosts his belief, Gambhir’s practice sessions push him to perform under challenging conditions. This dual approach — support and challenge — is proving effective in shaping Varma into a reliable international batter.
He elaborated:
“He puts me under pressure in practice sessions so I can learn how to handle pressure in matches. He keeps challenging me because he believes I have the capability. That backing means a lot to me.”
This methodology aligns with broader trends in Indian cricket, where young talents are increasingly groomed through a mix of domestic exposure, IPL experience, and mentorship from senior internationals.
Looking Ahead: 2nd ODI in Raipur
India will next face South Africa in Raipur for the second ODI on Wednesday, aiming to seal the three-match series 2-0. With the confidence from the first ODI win, combined with Kohli and Rohit’s mentoring and Gambhir’s coaching strategies, India’s young players like Tilak Varma are well-prepared for high-pressure scenarios.
The team’s ability to integrate youth and experience is key, especially after the recent Test series setbacks. Players like Varma, guided by veterans and coached under Gambhir’s challenging yet supportive environment, could become pivotal in India’s journey in ODIs and the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026.
Tilak Varma: A Star in the Making
Varma’s rise exemplifies the new generation of Indian cricketers: talented, mentally strong, and eager to learn from senior players. His reliance on guidance from Kohli, Rohit, and Gambhir illustrates the team-first culture India is cultivating.
As he continues to develop his game, Varma is expected to become a mainstay in India’s limited-overs lineup, capable of performing in both anchoring and finishing roles. The lessons learned from senior players will not only enhance his batting but also his ability to make tactical decisions under pressure.
In Varma’s own words, confidence and pressure go hand in hand, and it is this combination that will help him thrive at the highest level. With senior players and coaches backing him, the young batter is well-positioned to leave a mark in Indian cricket for years to come.
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