We were looking to get 230-240 – Tilak Varma on India’s attacking mindset

India witnessed an incredible brand of big-hitting from Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya as the two propelled the hosts to a staggering show of brilliance against South Africa in Ahmedabad. Varma smashed 73 off just 42 balls, playing the perfect partner to Hardik Pandya’s madness (25-ball 63) as the duo put on a match-winning 105-run stand.

Talking in an interview post the game, Varma opened up on the game, shedding light on the conditions while also heaping praise on the two Indian openers, Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson on their explosive start. He also spoke about the crucial 105-run stand with Hardik Pandya, hailing him as ‘fantastic to watch’.

Adding insight on how he wanted to continue the onslaught precipitated by Abhishek Sharma and Samson, Varma said, “I know how the Ahmedabad wicket goes (plays) here. The way Abhishek and Sanju bhai played at the start of the game, I knew that the wicket was good. So I just wanted to maintain that strike rate and I just wanted to show that intent.”

Underlining the importance of the partnership with Hardik Pandya, Varma said, “It was incredible batting by Hardik bhai. It was a treat to watch from the non-striker's end. The way he was hitting was very clean and he was fantastic to watch. To be honest, I don't have a target in mind when batting. I just want to score as much as I can. We were looking to get 230-240 and we got there in the end.”

He concluded with a quick word about his bowling, stating, “To be frank, I'm really working hard on my bowling. Hopefully you can see me in the coming games. It's better to ask Surya bhai (smiles). But hopefully you can see me in the coming games.”