In a tournament filled with high-voltage drama and record-breaking performances, sometimes the most memorable moments happen off the field. Following India’s commanding 73-run victory over Zimbabwe in the T20 World Cup Super 8 clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Thursday, young batter Tilak Varma captured millions of hearts with a heartwarming gesture – recording a special video message for Zimbabwe pacer Brad Evans’ sister, who is a massive fan of the Indian cricketer .
Brad Evan’s sister’s special demand from Tilak Varma
After the match concluded, as players from both sides mingled on the field in the traditional post-match interaction, Zimbabwe pacer Brad Evans approached Tilak with a unique request. Evans’s sister Rebecca, back home, is a huge admirer of the young Indian batter and had been begging her brother for a special video message.
“My sister is a very big fan of his, so she asked if she could get a video message from him,” Evans told ICC, capturing the moment that would soon go viral across social media platforms.
Tilak, ever humble and grounded despite his rising stardom, responded positively without a moment’s hesitation.
Tilak Varma fulfils Brad Evan’s sister demand
What followed was a warm, genuine message that has since won hearts across the cricketing world. In the video, Tilak addressed Rebecca directly with words that reflected both humility and sportsmanship.
“Hi Rebecca, thank you for being a big fan. It means a lot. Hope to see you when I am in Zimbabwe. I will meet you, and your brother is amazing. He has bowled really well, and I will see you very soon. Thanks once again,” Tilak said in the video message.
Evans later revealed just how much the message would mean to his sister. “She actually messaged me only the other day asking for a message. She is going to be very embarrassed, but she has got the message now,” he concluded with a smile.
Tilak’s match-winning performance against Zimbabwe
The request came shortly after Tilak had produced a breathtaking performance that helped propel India to the second-highest total in T20 World Cup history – a mammoth 256/4. Batting at an unfamiliar No. 6 position after being shuffled down the order due to Sanju Samson’s inclusion, the left-hander smashed 44 runs off just 16 deliveries at a staggering strike rate of 275.
His innings, which included 4 fours and 6 sixes, came in a crucial 84-run partnership with Hardik Pandya off just 31 balls. The late blitz took the game away from Zimbabwe and ensured India posted a total that proved far too many for the Chevrons, who were eventually restricted to 183.
Speaking after the match, Tilak opened up about his new role in the batting order. “I always say that whatever team needs, I am up for it. I have done the same role since last four years in IPL for Mumbai Indians and also in few games for the Indian team, so I am up for it. I can adjust,” he said during the post-match press conference.
He added, “I was just waiting for one innings, so I am really grateful to God for that it has come at the right time. I am pretty confident now that going forward I can win the games for the team.”
Fans praise Tilak’s humility
The video quickly spread across social media platforms, with fans praising Tilak for his humility and warmth. Many noted that in an era where cricketers are often inaccessible to fans, such gestures restore faith in the human side of the sport.
The interaction also highlighted the unique camaraderie that develops between opponents during multi-nation tournaments, where brief on-field battles give way to lasting off-field friendships.
What’s next for Tilak and Team India?
With this victory, India kept their semifinal hopes alive, setting up a virtual knockout against West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on March 1. Tilak’s form, having registered 151 runs in six outings at an average of 30.20 and strike rate of 142.45, will be crucial to India’s chances of progressing further.
