Tilak Varma details coach Gambhir's vision to develop his leadership skills: 'Think about Indian team ahead'

Tilak Varma highlighted Gautam Gambhir's key influence on moulding his leadership philosophy as he gears up to lead India 'A'. He revealed that the India head coach advised him to always think ahead about the Indian team when captaining India A.

The Indian cricket team underwent a significant leadership overhaul in terms of International T20s, with Shreyas Iyer being named as the new skipper, while Tilak would serve as the vice-captain. The young cricketer has been shouldered with a major responsibility in the game's shortest format, which he has been preparing for a while.

Tilak reveals Gambhir’s long-term plan

Speaking to Revsportz, Tilak emphasised that he has been mentally prepared for the responsibility. He added that the opportunity came at the right time and intends to carry the approach forward.

"Whenever I used to play for India, I used to talk to Gautam sir, and he always used to say that whenever you are leading India A, you have to think about the Indian team ahead. So always, whatever was my mindset, whenever I was doing it, I used to learn from whatever matches I used to play, and I used to learn what I could do better for the team, as a captain, as a player. So my mindset, not just now, I was already prepared, and yes, at the right time, I got the opportunity, and from here on, I want to carry it," Tilak Varma said

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Tilak further added that he learns a great deal about captaincy and handling pressure from the T20 World Cup-winning skipper Rohit Sharma and regularly asks him about his mindset and decision-making skills under pressure.

Tilak set for India 'A' action in tri-series

Tilak is set to be in action for the upcoming tri-series, where India 'A' would be up against Sri Lanka 'A' and Afghanistan 'A' in the island nation in the 50-over format.

The Indian batter would lead the charge, featuring star attractions like left-handed teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who recently made waves in the 2026 Indian Premier League.

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India 'A' would kick off its campaign against the hosts on Tuesday, June 9, at Dambulla.