The 22-year-old India National Cricket Team left-handed batsman Tilak Varma played a fantastic knock for his team in the second T20I of the five-match series against the England National Cricket Team.
Tilak Varma’s exceptional knock with the bat ensured that the Men In Blue clinched a win at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai on Saturday, January 25.
Also Read: ‘Very happy with the way Tilak Varma batted’ – Suryakumar Yadav in awe of youngster
Tilak Varma destroys England bowlers
India were given a target of 166 runs to chase in the second T20I by the Three Lions. It was a gettable score as the surface in Chennai had enough help for the batters.
During the mid-innings break, India all-rounder Axar Patel was confident that they would complete the run-chase very easily, but that didn’t happen.
India lost both openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma early on in the innings and Suryakumar Yadav’s poor form continued. Dhruv Jurel also got out for a low score, and so did Hardik Pandya.
England were all over the hosts and it looked like they would snatch the game away from India. However, Tilak Varma didn’t let that happen.
The young left-handed batter stood strong at one end and played according to the situation. He made sure that the scoring rate was good, and his brilliant 38-run partnership brought India back into the game.
After losing Sundar, Tilak Varma batted well with the tailenders and took the team past the finish line. He ended with 72* runs off 55 balls, with 4 fours and 5 sixes as India won the match by 2 wickets.
Gautam Gambhir asked me play according to the situation – Tilak Varma
Tilak Varma won the Player of the Match award and speaking to the presenter he revealed that the head coach Gautam Gambhir has asked him to play according to the situation. He stated:
“Wicket was slightly two-paced. I was talking Gautam sir yesterday, he asked me play according to the situation.”
While talking about his batting position, he said that they will continue with the left-right combination in the team, hence, he is happy to bat at No.3 or No.4. Tilak Varma also spoke about Ravi Bishnoi’s crucial contribution with the bat. Tilak Varma said:
“Left-right will be a good combination as it’ll be tough for the bowlers to adjust. We already played in South Africa where it was more difficult. We prepared well in the nets and here’s the result.
“I said him (Bishnoi) to hold the shape and look to hit into the gap. One flick against the fast bowler and one four against Livingstone, it was extraordinary. That made it easier to finish the game.”
Excellent innings by Tilak – Wasim Jaffer
Former India opener Wasim Jaffer was mighty impressed with the way Tilak batted in the second T20I against England and he took to X to praise the batter. Jaffer lauded the batter for staying cool and calm in the middle and guiding India to victory.
“Excellent innings by Tilak. Got Ind back on track from 78/5, kept his cool till the end. Taking 19 runs of the 16th over bowled by Jofra Archer was the turning point. Well played @TilakV9 👏🏻 #INDvENGi,” the Domestic cricket great wrote on X.
Excellent innings by Tilak. Got Ind back on track from 78/5, kept his cool till the end. Taking 19 runs of the 16th over bowled by Jofra Archer was the turning point. Well played @TilakV9 👏🏻 #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/k1mgVFUbeJ
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) January 25, 2025