Duleep Trophy: Played A Lot Of White-ball Cricket, But Red Ball Remains My Favourite Format, Says Tilak

By Pramit Meher

**Tilak's Red Ball Dream: Century Eludes, But Passion Burns Bright** Bengaluru (Wed): Lefthanded batter Tilak Varma nearly added a ninth first-class ton to his name, but cricket pulled its usual trick. Chasing that elusive 100 in the Duleep Trophy semifinal, he was caught-and-bowled on 99 off 211 balls—missing the mark by a whisker as South Zone folded for 336 against East Zone's towering 708. **A Red Ball Devotee at Heart** Despite plenty of whiteball cricket for India, Tilak keeps his affection firmly with the red ball. "Playing redball for India is my biggest goal... It's my A game," he told reporters after day four. His domestic form has been electric—116*, 51*, and now this 99—all evidence that the longest format is where he truly thrives. **Captaincy Fast-Tracking His Growth** Leading South Zone (after captaining India A), Tilak credits leadership for maturing his game. "Understanding your players off the field tells you who steps up under pressure," he shared—wisdom from a young leader already carrying big responsibilities. **The Professional in Him** Even after that heartbreak on 99, his mindset was immaculate. "Scoring a hundred or being not out doesn't matter to me. I was only focused on what the team needed." That selflessness—taking it session-by-session, prioritizing a potential draw over personal glory—is exactly the temperament you want in a future India Test bat. As for the whiteball jump? Two days of practice, he says, is plenty to switch the mindset. Confident, focused, and hungry. This is a player to watch. Source: Cricketnmore