India’s interim head coach VVS Laxman has introduced the ‘Best Attitude Award’ to recognise players who display commitment, discipline and a team-first approach. Tilak Varma became the first recipient of the award following India’s seven-wicket win over Zimbabwe in the opening T20I in Harare.
VVS Laxman rewarded the right mindset
The new award has been introduced to honour qualities that do not always appear on the scorecard. While runs, wickets and catches remain important, the Indian team management wants to celebrate players who consistently show the right attitude in training, preparation and match situations.
Speaking to the squad after the victory, Laxman said “Attitude is equivalent to skill. What we thought as a team management, in this series over the three matches, we are going to reward is not only the fielding, not only the individual brilliance in bowling and batting. But, the attitude aspect is also something we are going to reward.”
Tilak Varma gets the first honour from VVS Laxman
Tilak Varma was chosen as the inaugural winner for his energy, commitment and professionalism throughout the team’s preparations and during the first T20I. Although he did not register a big score, the left-hander impressed the coaching staff with his work ethic and intensity.
BCCI introduces a new 'Best Attitude of the Match' award, with Tilak Varma becoming its first-ever recipient following the 1st India vs Zimbabwe T20I at Harare!!! pic.twitter.com/FQv7VH5FDx
— 𝓝𝓾𝓽𝓽𝔂𝓣𝓲𝓵𝓪𝓴 (@TilakVarmaaa) July 24, 2026
He also made useful contributions during the match by taking a catch, hitting a boundary and scoring the winning run as India comfortably chased down Zimbabwe’s target of 126.
Team India has introduced the 'Best Attitude Award', and Tilak Varma has become its first-ever recipient for his outstanding attitude during the first T20I against Zimbabwe👏
— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) July 24, 2026
📸: BCCI#ZIMvsIND pic.twitter.com/AlepVXMyBH
After receiving the award, Tilak thanked the coaching staff and said he always tries to give his best whenever he represents India. He added that consistent effort in training helps players perform better during matches.
India opened the three-match series with a convincing seven-wicket victory after restricting Zimbabwe to 125/7 before completing the chase with ease. Along with taking a 1-0 lead in the series, the introduction of the Best Attitude Award underlines the team’s focus on building a positive dressing-room culture where commitment and hard work are valued as much as performances on the field.
