Tilak Varma engineered India's thrilling two-wicket win over England with his superlative knock in the second T20I at the Chepauk stadium in Chennai on January 25. A brilliant half-century from Tilak Varma proved crucial in overcoming a top-order collapse against the pace of the English bowlers as India chased down a 166-run target with four balls to spare.
Tilak Varma's heroics guide India to thrilling win over England
Tilak, who remained unbeaten on 72 off 55 balls with four fours and five sixes, expertly utilised the pace of the English bowlers to amass runs. He single-handedly guided India past the target of 166, as the hosts finished with eight wickets down. The match was a captivating contest, as Tilak faced constant pressure with limited support from the other end, while the English bowlers enjoyed periods of dominance after making inroads into the Indian batting lineup. But it was Tilak Varma who stood firm on the crease till he finished his business.
Tilak Varma reveals how Gautam Gambhir's words brought the best out of him
But it was the conversation with India's head coach Gautam Gambhir which apparently brought the best out of Tilak. The star southpaw revealed that he had a conversation with Gambhir on the eve of the match. Gambhir's clear instruction for Tilak 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, who was adjudged the player of the match for his terrific batting, said in the post match presentation.
The English pacers, particularly Jofra Archer, faced a torrid time at the hands of Tilak. Archer, in particular, was a prime target for Varma, who dispatched him for four sixes, the fourth of which propelled him to his fifty. Archer's four overs proved expensive, conceding 60 runs while claiming the wicket of Sanju Samson.
Varma also showcased his power with a spectacular six off Brydon Carse, clearing deep fine leg with an impressive inside-out shot. Despite Tilak's batting blitz, India faced a period of intense pressure during the chase.
The innings began promisingly with Abhishek Sharma launching Archer for three boundaries in the first over. However, a 148 kmph inswinger from Mark Wood struck Sharma on the back foot, and DRS failed to overturn the on-field decision. India's woes continued as they lost Samson soon after, leaving them reeling at 19 for two.
Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak provided some respite, adding 39 runs for the third wicket to take India to 58. However, Suryakumar's dismissal, edging Carse onto his stumps, once again brought the pressure back on India.
The English pacers continued their dominance, reducing India to 78 for five. From a relatively comfortable score of 58 for three, they quickly dismissed Dhruv Jurel and Hardik Pandya, leaving India in a precarious position.
However, Washington Sundar, who was dropped on 10 by Adil Rashid off Mark Wood, capitalized on the reprieve. He launched a counter-attack, hammering Wood for a six and two fours in consecutive deliveries, easing the pressure and bringing down the required run rate.
Unfortunately, Washington's aggressive approach led to his downfall. Attempting to run a 140 kmph thunderbolt from Carse to the third man, he saw the ball crash onto his stumps. India found themselves in further trouble at 116 for six. However, wickets kept tumbling from the other end but Tilak ensured India's victory in the end.