Last Updated:
Tilak top-scored for India in the second T20I against England, which was played at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday.
Tilak Varma reveals why he targeted Jofra Archer in 2nd T20I against England. (Picture Credit: AP)
Tilak Varma scored 72 runs from 55 balls for India in the second T20I against England, which was played at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. During his stay at the crease on Saturday (January 25), the 22-year-old left-handed batter impressed with his mature knock and hammered four fours and five sixes. He took an aggressive approach against England pacer Jofra Archer, who conceded 60 runs in his quota of four overs.
While speaking to reporters during the post-match press conference, Tilak said that he planned to go after Archer to put pressure on other English bowlers as well.
“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,” Tilak said.
“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,” he added.
Tilak said he was mentally prepared to stay till the end and was ready to tweak his game according to the team’s needs.
“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 strike rate of 6 or 7 or above 10, as per the team’s requirement. You 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 types of innings. Happy that it paid off,” he said.
The Hyderabadi then gave an elaborate peek into his game plan at the MAChidambaram Stadium.
“The wicket was double-paced and quite challenging. With the kind of pace (England bowlers were bowling), it will be tough to hit square of the wicket.
“So, I just wanted to use the pace and hit as much as I can behind (in the V behind the wicketkeeper). So, that’s what I have done, and it has given me success,” he said.