‘Ek family hain’- Fans react as Tilak Varma dedicates his maiden half-century to Rohit Sharma’s daughter

Mumbai Indians (MI) batter Tilak Varma scored his first T20I half-century in the second T20I against West Indies, as the hosts defeated India by two wickets at the Providence Cricket Stadium, Guyana. He dedicated his celebration after reaching his maiden T20I fifty to Rohit Sharma’s daughter, Samaira. Varma’s 51-run innings off 41 balls in the second match against the West Indies was the pinnacle of the Indian batting effort.

In the post-match news conference, he explained the touching reason behind his unconventional celebration. He spoke about his strong relationship with Samaira and how he had told her that he would dedicate his celebration to her if he reached a maiden century or a fifty. Staying true to his words he really dedicated his fifty and showed the special bond he shares with the skipper’s daughter.

It was towards Sammy (Samaira), Rohit bhai’s daughter: Tilak Varma

The southpaw stated, “It was towards Sammy (Samaira), Rohit bhai’s daughter,” Varma told reporters after the match. “I am very close to Sammy. I had promised her that whenever I will score a century or a fifty, I will do a celebration for her.”

Despite Varma’s efforts, India was up against a strong task in the second T20I, as the West Indies won by a dramatic two-wicket margin. The match included dramatic twists and turns that kept the audience on the edge of their seats. West Indies seemed to be on their way to triumph as they chased a 153-run goal.

However, a quick collapse saw them lose four wickets for three runs in the space of 13 deliveries, putting them in jeopardy. At the time, it appeared as though India would reverse the tables and steal triumph from the jaws of defeat. With his spectacular innings of 67 runs off 40 balls, Nicholas Pooran emerged as a West Indies hero.

The game was turned around by Akeal Hosein and Alzarri Joseph. They led their squad to a stunning win with seven balls remaining. The victory gave the West Indies back-to-back victories for the first time since 2016, delighting their supporters and setting up a thrilling third T20I, which India must win.

Here’s how fans reacted: