The 20-year-old Varma, who was a member of the 2020 U-19 World Cup squad, hit 39 off 22 balls in his senior India debut against the West Indies, which the visitors lost by four runs at Tarouba in Trinidad on Thursday.
“Everyone has this dream of playing for the country, I never thought that I will be able to play for India so soon in my career, because, after the Under-19 World Cup, there was the coronavirus issue which happened, so I thought let me just use the opportunity that I get,” Varma said in a video posted by the BCCI.
Varma, who plays for the Mumbai Indians, scored 343 runs at an average of 42.8 in 11 matches during the 2023 IPL season, after scoring 397 runs in 14 matches during the previous season.
“From childhood, it has been my goal to win India the World Cup. In my mind, I always think about ways how to win the World cup. I keep visualising everyday that I will go and bat in this number and win World Cup,” he said.
“Now I got the India jersey and I used to visualise, but now, it has come true, so I feel that moment (of winning World Cup) will also come soon. This is a great feeling, I can’t express it, everyone asks me but I am just feeling really happy and proud. So taking it step by step, let’s see how it happens.”
While the upcoming ODI World Cup is scheduled to be held in India in October-November, the next T20 World Cup, co-hosted by the West Indies and USA, is expected to begin on June 4 next year.
Varma also received a surprise message from his MI colleague, Dewald Brevis of South Africa, congratulating him on his India debut.
“Hey brother, I hope you are very excited. I don’t know If I am more excited than you, but I just want to say from my side and from the Brevis family, congratulations on your debut,” Brevis said in a video.
“It’s such a great moment for you and your family. I can just imagine how happy your parents and everyone must be. It’s great to see you out there, living your dream out.”
(With PTI inputs)
