'Sachin said I know everything about you': Tendulkar's unforgettable words to Tilak Varma

After securing convincing series wins in Tests and ODIs, a young Indian unit led by Hardik Pandya have been handed double jolts by West Indies in the shorter format. On both instances, the Men In Blue were let down by their batters, a factor also pointed out by skipper Pandya during the post-match presentation ceremony after the second T20I, which India lost by two wickets.

Despite defeats, the introduction of Tilak Varma on the international stage has been India's biggest positive. The left-handed youngster has been impressive from the word go, smashing a couple of sixes off the first three balls on his India debut. He then produced an even better show in the second T20I in Guyana, smashing a maiden half-century and pushing India to a respectable 152/7 in 20 overs.

Overwhelmed with what we've seen so far, Salam Bayash, Varma's childhood coach, during an interaction with News 18 said: "Bohot bada cricket khelne wala bacha hai ye. Thoda bohot khel ke khamosh hone wala nahi hai (This kid is a big player, he won't go quiet after playing a few knocks.)"

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As per the interview, Bayash was the first person to spot Varma's talent at a tender age, which convinced him to get in touch with his father. However, Varma's father was initially reluctant to allow his son to pursue a career in cricket due to the financial issues.

"I first saw Tilak in 2011-12 at the Barkas ground where he was playing tennis ball cricket with his friends. He looked really solid while playing his strokes and I thought he must be going to some academy. I called him and asked if he goes to any academy. He replied negatively and added that he just plays with his friends. Then I had a chat with his father and asked him to give Tilak proper coaching. His father didn’t really agree to this initially due to financial issues. They lived just 2 km away from the place and my academy was 40km, so I told them that I would take responsibility and take care of his transport," Bayash recalled while speaking to News18.

Discussing the work behind the scenes, Bayash said that his ward would be present in the academy from 'morning 6 to evening 6.' Due to long commutation his coach also asked Varma's parents to find a new accommodation near the academy.

'Sachin sir likes him very much'

Varma is part of the Mumbai Indians franchise in the lucrative Indian Premier League and has been elevated to the national team after a scintillating show in the IPL. Bought for ₹1.7 crore, Varma played several crucial knocks in the last edition, including an unbeaten 84 off 46 balls in MI's season opener and a 17-ball 37 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, which came at a strike-rate of 217.

Coach Bayash also shared an incident, when his ward helped him meet batting legend Sachin Tendulkar in Hyderabad. Bayash, like most, is also a huge fan of Tendulkar, who had appreciated him in nurturing a fine talent like Varma.

"Sachin sir likes him very much. I will tell you another instance. Tilak told him that my teacher is a very big fan of yours. So, Sachin sir replied, 'I know everything about you and your coach'. Last year, when Sachin sir came to Hyderabad, I got to meet him and that was a big, big moment for me. I told him, '20 years se apse milne ki khawaish thi. Upar wala meri khawaish puri kardiye' (For 20 years, it has been my dream to meet you. Finally, got has fulfilled my wish). He then hugged me and told me that I have prepared a very good player in Tilak and should continue to do the same. Main jitna khush tha, use zyada Tilak khush tha ki maine sir ko Sachin Sir se milwa diya, (More than me, Tilak was happier that he was able to make me meet Sachin)" said Bayash.