'I wanted to target their best bowler' - Tilak Varma on smashing Jofra Archer during 2nd T20I in Chennai

The Men in Blue increased their lead to 2-0 in the five-match T20I series against England after winning a last-over thriller at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai by two wickets. The England team put up a score of 165 in the first innings, which was chased down by the Indian team with only four balls to spare.

The hero of the match was 22-year-old Tilak Varma who finished the innings unbeaten on 72 from 55 deliveries while other batters struggled to get going during the game. One of the highlights of the match was when southpaw  took on the fiery pace of Jofra Archer, among the fastest bowlers currently. Tilak, who was also awarded Player of the Match for his feat, spoke on the importance of getting the better of Archer in the match and how he prepared to face the express pacer in Chennai when there was a lot of pressure on the team with wickets falling at regular intervals.

“I wanted to target their best bowler. If you take on the best bowler, other bowlers will be under pressure. So, when the wickets are falling (at the other end), I want 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," Tilak said during the post-match press conference.

“I said (to myself) that whatever happens, I will be staying till the end, and I wanted to finish the game. I had a chat with Gautam (Gambhir) sir during the last match. I can play with a run-rate of 6 or 7 or above 10, as per the team's requirement. One should be flexible. Gautam sir also said during the drinks break (here), 'It is a time that you can show the people that you can play both type of innings.' Happy that it paid off," the Hyderabad batter added.

Also Read: Tilak Varma surpasses Virat Kohli for most runs in T20Is without being dismissed

Speaking of Archer’s numbers in the Chepauk encounter, this was one of his worst figures in the format for England where he finished with 1/60 from his full quota of four overs with an economy of 15.00 at the end of the match. The ace batter scored 30 runs off the nine deliveries he faced from Archer during the game, which, in turn, helped India chase down the target with lesser trouble.