Tilak Varma can become an all-format player: Ambati Rayudu

Former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu heaped praise on Tilak Varma after the young batter played a match-winning knock in the second T20I of the series against England on Saturday, January 25, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, in Chennai.

India kept losing wickets at regular intervals during their pursuit of a 166-run target. However, Tilak showed a lot of grit and determination to guide the hosts to a thrilling two-wicket victory with four balls to spare. The Hyderabad batter finished unbeaten on 72* off 55 balls, belting four fours and five sixes.

Rayudu lauded his city-mate for repaying the faith shown in him by India's T20I Captain, Suryakumar Yadav. The former described Tilak Varma as a superstar, who can represent the Men in Blue in all three formats of the game. Rayudu urged the selectors and team management to back Tilak in every format.

"He is a superstar cricketer and I have seen him grow in Hyderabad. He has played four extraordinary knocks. Since Suryakumar Yadav has become the captain, the confidence he has been given and the trust that has been shown in him, he is paying him back fully," Rayudu said while analysing the second T20I on Star Sports.

"I feel India have got a huge superstar and he can become an all-format player. It's not that he is only a T20 player. Considering the maturity he showed today (Saturday), he has the ability to be a match-winner for India for many years. So I feel he should be backed in every format," he continued.

Tilak Varma had all the answers: Ambati Rayudu

Furthermore, Ambati Rayudu pointed out that England adopted the short-ball ploy against Tilak, but the left-handed batter was up to the task. The cricketer-turned-expert extolled Tilak for his approach and execution. Notably, the third T20I is set to be played at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot on Tuesday, January 28. England have to win the match to stay afloat in the series.

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"England came with a plan that they would bowl short against Tilak Varma, wouldn't give him room, and make him play the pull shot towards fine leg. However, Tilak Varma had all the answers," he said.

"He used the pace very well. Angles are extremely important in batting. He was hitting the balls wherever he wanted using the pace. He batted exceptionally with the right approach and execution, and I don't think England will again try to bowl like this," Rayudu concluded.