India, Dec. 2 -- India batter Tilak Varma said head coach Gautam Gambhir played a pivotal role in shaping his growing confidence, revealing that Gambhir routinely places him in high-pressure situations during practice to prepare him for the toughest moments in international cricket.

Ahead of India's second ODI against South Africa in Raipur on Wednesday, Varma spoke about the intense training environment Gambhir has created and how it has helped him evolve as a multi-format batter.

"Gautam sir always gives me confidence," Varma said. "He tells me that if you have the skill, you can play all formats and do well in all formats. He puts me under pressure in practice sessions so I can learn how to handle pressure in matches. He keeps challe...