ICC T20 World Cup 2026 | Tilak excited to play against Pakistan

New Delhi: The last time India played Pakistan, in the Asia Cup final on September 28, Tilak Varma produced the innings of his life under immense pressure to take India across the line in a grudge match in Dubai. The left-hander is once again excited to face-off against arch-rivals after the uncertainty over their February 15 group match was lifted on Monday night.

"To be honest, we are very excited to play. We got to know that the match was going to take place the day before. We are ready to play. We are watching all the teams. We are watching the bowlers and the batsmen. All the players and team members are ready to play. Now, we are in the match zone. The planning will start," said Tilak, ahead of India's practice session here on Thursday.

On Tuesday, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate had alluded that Pakistan, who have been camping in Colombo for a fortnight now, might have a slight advantage in terms of familiarity with the conditions. When asked about the Pakistan challenge away from home, Tilak said their preparation has covered all bases.  

"We are going one match at a time, so we will see. We have video analysis of who we are playing, how the wicket is behaving, the bowlers we have to target and the batters we have to plan. We are well prepared for all the challenges."

Tilak missed the New Zealand T20 series following a testicular surgery and joined the team only on February 3 in Mumbai after a spell of rehab at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The 23-year-old was happy to be playing his maiden World Cup.

"I am really happy I am back in the World Cup side. I have worked hard for the last few weeks. I have been doing good routines. God has been kind to me and I am back on the field. My aim is to win the World Cup and I am ready to play any role that the team requires of me. I always say I am ready to play for the team. I am looking forward to it," he remarked.

Asked if the break was a blessing in disguise before a big assignment, the Hyderabadi said he can't imagine himself without a bat in his hand.    

"First of all, when I don’t have a bat in my hands for a couple of days, I feel strange. I feel as if I have come to a different world. I keep visualising that I am playing in the World Cup final. I put myself under pressure. It has become a habit since childhood. I have been holding the bat for so many years. My mind is always in that zone."