Published: Jan 26, 2025, 02:57 PM (IST)
Edited: Jan 26, 2025, 02:57 PM (IST)
Tilak Varma made way for India to secure a two-wicket win over England with his explosive knock in the 2nd T20I in Chennai. A skilled half-century from Tilak Varma came out as the match-turner after the top-order collapsed horribly against England pacers.
Tilak later revealed how head coach Gautam Gambhir was the person who apparently bought out the best from him. The star revealed that he had a conversation with Gambhir on the eve of the match, and Gambhir’s instruction for him was to play according to the situation.
“The wicket was slightly two-paced. I was talking with Gautam sir yesterday, he said whatever happens, you should play according to the situation. If team needs ten an over, you should take charge, if something else, you should stand till the end. Team discussed that left-right combination will be a good option, it will be difficult for opposition bowlers as well. We already played in South Africa, their bowlers were quicker. We were prepared. Archer and Wood are quick, our guys prepared well, we worked hard in the nets and we got the results. [Partnership with Bishnoi] I told him to hold his shape and hit the gap. He played a flick and hit a four off Livingstone, that made it a bit easier,” Tilak said in the post match presentation.
Tilak, who was unbeaten for 72 off 55 balls, made perfect use of the pace by England bowlers and scored runs. He guided India past the target single-handedly, as the hosts finished with 2 wickets remaining.
The match was an intense one, as Tilak faced constant pressure with not much support from the other end, while the English bowlers enjoyed dominance as they had most of the Indian batters down. However, it was Tilak, who stood strong on the crease till he completed his mission.
