Tilak Varma credits special training for blistering T20I form after Chennai batting heroics

Tilak Varma continued his fine batting form in T20Is as he stroked his way to a match-defining unbeaten 72-run knock in the second T20I against England. Notably the game was played at the renowned MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Coming in at No. 3, the youngster did not lose his composure despite wickets falling around him.

His measured approach at the crease led India to a hard-fought two-wicket win to double their lead. Tilak, who won the Player of the Match accolade, credited his focused approach to tackling short-pitched deliveries to his rampaging form in 20-over cricket. Tilak Varma also recalled his IPL (Indian Premier League) experience and how he was targeted by the pacers. 

"I had to work on my strike rate. I saw that last year, before the IPL, bowlers used to use short hard or short balls to trouble me. I started working on that, as I knew that if I could hit those short balls, then bowlers would get into trouble. I have worked on that, and you saw the results today, and I hope that continues," shared Tilak while speaking to JioCinema after the completion of the high-octane game.

I wanted to take on their best bowlers: Tilak

Furthermore, Tilak Varma also shared the rationale behind his fearless approach against English right-arm speedster, Jofra Archer. He credited his duel against Archer to his relentless training during practice sessions. He pointed out that he wanted to put pressure on other English bowlers by taking out their best bowler in the form of Archer.

Also Read: Tilak Varma reveals mindset during crunch moments in second T20I clash against England

“I wanted to target their best bowler. If you take on the best bowler, other bowlers will be under pressure. So, when the wickets were falling (at the other end), I wanted to take on their best bowlers. If I do that, it makes it easier (for other batters). So, I backed myself and took chances against him, and also whatever shots that I have played against Archer, I have worked in the nets, mentally I was ready for them. So, it has given me a good result," noted Tilak during the post-match press conference.

With the win in Chennai, India find themselves 2-0 up going into the third game. The manner in which Tilak has been playing in the recent past, he could soon become a regular feature of the T20I setup.