After Tilak Varma’s game-winning knock in the 2nd T20I of the series against England on Saturday, January 25, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu showered the young batsman with adulation.
While chasing a target of 166 runs, India continued to lose wickets at regular intervals. With four balls remaining, Tilak led the hosts to an exciting two-wicket victory, demonstrating a great deal of grit and commitment. The Hyderabad batsman hit four fours and five sixes to end undefeated at 72* from 55 balls.
Rayudu praised his city-mate for returning the trust that India’s T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav, had placed in him. According to the former, Tilak Varma is a superstar who can play all three game styles for the Men in Blue. The team management and selections were persuaded by Rayudu to support Tilak in all formats.
“I have watched him develop in Hyderabad, and he is a fantastic cricket player. He has performed four outstanding knocks. In his analysis of the second Twenty20 International on Star Sports, Rayudu stated, “Suryakumar Yadav is repaying him in full for the confidence and trust that have been placed in him since he was appointed captain.”
“I think India has a big talent who has the potential to play all formats. He is more than just a Twenty20 player. He has the potential to be an Indian match-winner for many years, given the maturity he displayed today (Saturday). He should, in my opinion, be supported in all formats,” he added.
All the answers were in Tilak Varma’s head: Ambati Rayudu
Ambati Rayudu also noted that Tilak was capable of handling the short-ball strategy that England used against him. The former cricket player praised Tilak’s strategy and performance. Notably, on Tuesday, January 28, the third Twenty20 International will take place at Rajkot’s Niranjan Shah Stadium. To remain in the series, England must win the game.
The strategy England came up with was to bowl short against Tilak Varma, deny him space, and force him to play the pull shot towards fine leg. But Tilak Varma knew everything,” he added.
“He made excellent use of the speed. It is crucial to consider angles during batting. He was using the pace to hit the balls anywhere he wanted. With the correct strategy and execution, he batted brilliantly, and I doubt England will attempt to bowl like this ever again,” Rayudu said.
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