Tilak Varma showcased his versatility ©BCCI A 55-ball 72* at a strike rate of 130.91 might not seem extraordinary at first glance. However, numbers alone don’t tell the full story. Since making his T20I debut in August 2023 Tilak Varma has batted beyond 50 deliveries only twice in his 22-match career, with the game against England in Chennai marking the second such instance. He enjoys a career strike-rate of more than 150, and in the six instances where he has scored 40 or more, Tilak has maintained a strike rate of over 190 on three occasions. His batting isn’t just about big hits and clever shot-making; he also knows how to adopt a measured approach when the situation demands. This aspect of his game was on full display during his match-winning innings against England at Chepauk, which played a crucial role in helping India secure a 2-0 lead in the five-match T20I series. The match swung back and forth. India’s spinners once again troubled the England batters but the middle order, led by Brydon Carse and Jamie Smith, rallied to post a competitive total of 165. In response, Abhishek Sharma gave India a blazing start, smashing three fours in the opening over off Jofra Archer. But England’s new-ball duo of Archer and Mark Wood struck back, dismissing both openers to shift the momentum. India then staged a strong recovery. Tilak started boldly, racing to 25 off just 12 balls with audacious strokeplay, including two sixes off Jofra Archer and another off Brydon Carse, all over fine leg. Suryakumar Yadav also looked in fine form, hitting three boundaries during the powerplay. But the momentum shifted again as England’s pacers took control. Carse bowled Suryakumar with a quick delivery and had Dhruv Jurel caught at midwicket. Hardik Pandya’s attempt to cut a short ball from Jamie Overton ended in an edge to the ‘keeper, leaving India reeling at 78/5 in the 10th over. Tilak, who had been striking at an impressive 173.33 by the end of the powerplay, had to rein in his aggression as wickets fell around him and his partners struggled to build partnerships. He reached 34 off 25 by the halfway mark and 47 off 37 by the 15th over. Washington Sundar’s 26 off 19 in a 38-run stand with Tilak briefly reignited India’s hopes, but England were back on top by dismissing both Washington and Axar Patel, reducing India to 126/7. There were multiple gear switches throughout Tilak’s innings. After a blazing start, he toned down during the middle overs and shifted to a supporting role alongside Washington, who struck three fours and a six after initially struggling in his innings. However, once he was left with only the tail and India needing 40 runs in the final five overs, Tilak shifted gears once more. His aggressive hitting against Archer was a highlight as he smashed two more sixes off the star pacer, who ended with his most expensive T20 figures of 1-60 – with 30 of those runs coming off Tilak’s bat alone. With 20 needed off 18 balls and Arshdeep Singh back in the hut, Tilak found himself paired with Ravi Bishnoi and reverted to a measured approach to take the game closer. In the final overs, Tilak focused on quick running and farming as much strike as possible, although Bishnoi did chip in with a couple of crucial boundaries. Needing six runs in the last over, Tilak, now on strike, took a couple before driving an Overton delivery past cover for a match-winning boundary. He removed his helmet and basked in the celebrations, soaking in the applause from the 32,000-strong crowd. Whether it was using the bowlers’ pace to execute his shots, smartly rotating the strike to keep the scoreboard ticking, or calmly handling the pressure in a tense finish, Tilak displayed remarkable maturity. He also proved he is far from a one-dimensional player, demonstrating the skills to adapt to different situations and tailor his game accordingly. Carse, whose all-round efforts went in vain, acknowledged Tilak’s maturity as the key difference-maker in the game. “Obviously, a great game. I thought the atmosphere out there was incredible. From a team perspective, I think the position that we were in, I felt like we got a decent score on the board towards the end there, and we kept on taking wickets throughout the game, and that was the plan. But, you know, credit goes to Tilak. I think he played a very mature, smart innings, and ultimately, he was the difference in their side.” Opening up about his knock, the 22-year old Tilak said: “Actually, today’s wicket was double-paced and quite challenging. Wickets were falling continuously. In my mind, I was only thinking that I have to bat till the end and I wanted to show the intent and I was just looking for the gaps. I know that I can play both types. I can hit it with a good strike rate and I can also play (at a run-rate of) 6 or 7 (in an over). “That is what I have discussed with Gautam [Gambhir] sir in the last match. He said that you can play with a good strike rate over 10 (an over) and below 10 also. When the team requires, you should be flexible…And this game, I got the chance to prove. I said that I will be playing till the end. And that is what Gautam sir also said during the drinks break. ‘It is the time you can show the people that you can play both the innings’. So I said whatever happens, I will be staying till the end and I want to finish the game.” Finish the game he did, and rather efficiently at that. Tilak Varma’s performance was a testament to his versatility and composure under pressure. His knock, while leading India to a hard-fought win, also showcased his seamless ability to adjust and respond to different kinds of challenges. Bishnoi, after the match, called it one of Tilak’s best T20 innings while Suryakumar said it was something everyone can learn from. Meanwhile, for Tilak, he’s just “ready to do what the team needs”. ShareTweet
