If you take on their best bowlers, others will be under pressure – Tilak Varma on his game plan against England

India endured a thrilling outing in Chepauk as Tilak Varma spearheaded the charge from one end, staying unbeaten for a match-winning 72 off just 55 balls. It was an innings laced with precaution and farsightedness while featuring a late surge in the scoring rate, matching the tempo of the game.

Talking in the post-match conference, Tilak Varma decoded his own innings, while highlighting his key game plan against England in the second game. He also highlighted how his self-belief was also crucial in defining his innings and eventually ushering India across the finishing line.

Tilak said, “If you see I want to target [England's] best bowlers. If you take on their best bowlers, other bowlers will be under pressure. So, [even] when the wickets are falling, I want to take on their best bowler. It's easier for the [batter] at the other end also. So I backed myself and I took chances against him. And also whatever shots I have scored for Archer, I have worked in the nets. Mentally I was ready for that. So, it has given me a good result."

Shedding further light on his belligerence, stating, “I know I can play both types [of innings]. I can hit with a good strike rate and also at 6 or 7 [runs per over], I can bat at a higher strike rate. That is what I have discussed with Gautam [Gambhir] sir in the last match. He said that you can play with a good strike rate over 10 [an over] also and below 10 [an over] also. When the team requires, you should be flexible and I got the chance to prove it in this game.”

He concluded, “I said that I will be playing till the end. And that is what Gautam sir also said during the drinks break. He said that it is a time that you can show the people that you can play both the innings. So, I said that whatever happens I will be staying till the end and I want to finish the game."