Tilak Varma reveals the gameplan behind tackling England's short balls barrage in the second T20I

Tilak Varma’s match-winning 72* proved to be the highlight of the Indian innings in the second T20I of the ongoing five-match series against England. Not only did Varma help India seize the bragging rights of the second T20I but he also had help from Ravi Bishnoi, who held fort and contributed a few boundaries at the other end to make this victory possible.

Talking at the post-match presentation, Varma shed light on how the conditions were while what was the key mantra given by Gautam Gambhir ahead of the innings. He also underscored the strategy that he had against short balls from the English bowling contingent.

Highlighting the conditions of the wicket, Varma said, “Wicket was slightly two-paced. I was talking with Gautam sir yesterday, he said that, 'whatever happens, you should play according to the situation, you should be flexible.' Left-right will be a good option to bat out there, and it'll be slightly difficult for the bowlers as they should change their lines and lengths.”

Revealing the gameplan against the short balls, Varma said, “We already played in South Africa, it was actually more difficult than this. We prepared but Archer and Wood are really quick. Everyone prepared well, we worked really hard in the nets and that gave us the results.”

He concluded with a note of praise for Ravi Bishnoi, Tilak Varma said, “I told him (Bishnoi) to hold the shape and look to hit in the gap. One flick against the fast bowler and one four against Livingstone, it was extraordinary. That made it easier to finish the game.”