Indian batter shares insights on handling pressure, guiding tailenders, and securing a remarkable chase in the second T20I.
Chennai, January 27: After guiding India to a dramatic win in the second T20I against England, Tilak Varma opened up about his strategy during the final overs, particularly when batting with tailenders. Tilak lauded spinner Ravi Bishnoi’s crucial cameo of nine runs off five balls, including two boundaries, which played a key role in India’s chase of 166.
Tilak’s composed and tactically brilliant unbeaten knock ensured India secured a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. From a precarious position of 126/7, Tilak, along with Bishnoi and Arshdeep Singh, navigated the chase, eventually sealing the match with an unbroken 20-run stand.
Tilak’s Strategy and Game Awareness
Speaking on Star Sports’ Cricket Live Show, Tilak described the pressure he felt during the final overs and shared his plan to manage the chase with Arshdeep and Bishnoi.
“Actually, I was under a lot of pressure,” Tilak admitted. “Arshdeep kept insisting, ‘I will hit it,’ but I told him to focus on giving me a single. I knew Jofra Archer wasn’t as threatening on this pitch compared to Adil Rashid, whose ball was moving a lot.”
Tilak revealed how he instructed Arshdeep to defend against Archer and prioritize survival. “I told him to be ready with his defense and play like Test cricket. Whatever he did, it worked because he even managed a boundary off Archer,” he added.
Praise for Ravi Bishnoi
Tilak also showered praise on Ravi Bishnoi for his composed batting under pressure, crediting him for the match-sealing contributions.
“The best thing to see was Ravi Bishnoi’s batting. He’s been working hard in the nets, and it showed. I had a lot of faith in him and told him to aim for the gaps. His flick for a boundary and those two crucial fours were game-changing. Credit goes to him for playing so well in a pressure situation,” Tilak said.
Looking Ahead
India’s victory in Chennai showcased the team’s resilience and the depth of their lower-order contributions. With a 2-0 lead in the series, India will look to seal the series in the upcoming matches, building on the confidence gained from Tilak’s heroics and the collective efforts of the team.