'Inspired by Virat Bhai'- Young India batter open up on fitness secret ahead of Asia Cup 2025 final

Tilak Varma's growing stature in Indian cricket was displayed during the Super 4 clash against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2025. The young left- handed averaged 30 runs in the middle order, helping India get over 200 runs in the first innings - giving India the surge they needed to pass 200 runs for a big total. His rhythm and streaky shots fed into one of the good games of the tournament.

Tilak's performance revealed not only his prowess but his composure under pressure. Since his call-up to the T20I team last year against South Africa, he has shown the ability to carry confidence into the middle overs and has become an option for India. He demonstrated it again against Sri Lanka - he can handle the situation and help the team build a score.

After the match, Tilak was asked about his fitness by commentator Sanjay Manjrekar. In response, the youngster gave credit to Virat Kohli for being his role model when it comes to training and fitness. Kohli is known for changing the fitness culture in Indian cricket, and Tilak is keen to follow the same path.

Tilak Credits Virat for Fitness Inspiration

“I do love doing a lot of Fitness. I am inspired by Virat Bhai. He has set the standards and I just want to maintain that. I just love to run on the field and spend a lot of time in the gym,” Tilak said.

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For more than a decade, Kohli’s fitness has set the bar for the Indian team, and young players like Tilak are learning from it. Staying fit helps Tilak not only with batting power but also with fielding and mental strength in pressure games. The match itself was a thriller, with Pathum Nissanka’s century taking Sri Lanka to a tie. In the Super Over, Arshdeep Singh held his nerve with perfect yorkers, sealing India’s spot in the final.