Tilak Varma's clear cut take on India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 clash

The stage is set for the India versus Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 clash following PCB's brief boycott drama. The match which PCB threatened to boycott few days back, will now take place as scheduled on February 15 without any change. Both the teams have their preparation in place for the high-stake match. While India have kicked off their campaign with a win over USA, Pakistan have notched back-to-back victories in their first two matches.

Tilak Varma on IND vs PAK clash

Meanwhile, India's star batter Tilak Varma, who played a match-winning knock in Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan, talked about India's preparation for the clash against arch-rivals. Speaking on the India versus Pakistan clash in the pre-match press conference, Tilak said:

"Our preparation was on anyway. We are in the match zone".

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India will first take on Namibia on February 12 in Delhi before meeting Salman Agha's side in Colombo.

Tilak is the same man who denied Pakistan the Asia Cup 2025 title with his gritty 69-run knock against all odds. India found themselves in a dire situation while chasing a target of 147, crumbling to a precarious 20/3 against Pakistan. Tilak emerged as the savior, standing firm between a looming defeat and a historic victory. The left-hander displayed exceptional temperament under immense pressure, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 69 off 53 balls. His heroics guided the Men in Blue to their 9th Asia Cup title, further cementing their dominance in the tournament.

Since the 2024 T20 World Cup, Varma has established himself as India’s premier option at the number three spot in the shortest format. His statistics in this pivotal role are formidable; in just 16 innings, he has amassed 567 runs at an impressive average of 56.70 and a blistering strike rate of 160.62. This run of form includes two centuries and three half-centuries, proving his consistency and ability to dictate the pace of the game.

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I am really happy to be back in WC side: Tilak Varma

The star southpaw also said that he is happy to be back in the side following an injury layoff. Tilak had to undergo a testicular surgery for an injury picked up during Ranji Trophy last month. However, he completed his rehab in the BCCI's CoE and cleared the due fitness test to be back in the Men in Blue's fold right in time.

"I am really happy to be back in WC side. Good routines in last few weeks have helped me be here. Aim is here to win the World Cup. Always ready to contribute for the team. It didn't feel like I was returning after a forced break when played in practice game," he added.