Tilak Varma displayed remarkable tranquility during Hyderabad’s Vijay Hazare Trophy clash against Karnataka at the ADSA Railway Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday.
Chasing 321, the southpaw’s batting was a stark departure from his aggressive T20 heroics in South Africa last year.
After a sluggish start to the domestic 50-over tournament, marked by three single-digit scores in four matches, Tilak looked in complete control, untroubled during his 106-ball stay at the crease.
He compiled 99 runs, with only 34 coming in boundaries, setting a strong platform for the final chase. However, his innings ended heartbreakingly short of a century when he leaned back to whip a short, wide delivery, only to see it land in the hands of the point fielder, drawing collective disappointment from the dressing room and spectators alike.
“I didn’t know I was batting on 99. From the team’s perspective, I thought I should be taking charge in that over,” Tilak told Sportstar after the game.
“We had already discussed in the team meeting that if one batter can bat till the 45th over, we can chase down 380-400 also. I think I could have finished the game but unfortunately, I got out.”
“I think today was not my day…. but I can also say it was my day, scoring 99 in that crucial situation. In the end, the result went our way so I’m really happy,” he added, doffing his hat to Varun Goud who scored a stunning hundred to take the team home.
Back-to-back hundreds against the Proteas have almost cemented Tilak’s place in the Indian T20I setup as the long-term successor to Virat Kohli at number three. The Hyderabad batter was given a chance at that position by the current captain Suryakumar Yadav, who decided to drop a position in the batting order to accommodate his young teammate.
“If you see Surya bhai’s hundreds, they have come at number four. He didn’t score much in the first two innings [against South Africa] and I was waiting for an opportunity because I love batting at three,” the southpaw reasoned.
“So I went up to him and said, ‘ Agar number four pe batting kar rahe toh aapka hundred bhi laga hai, teen mein mujhe mil jata hai toh mai dikha dunga’ (You’ve scored hundreds in the past at number four. If you give me a chance at three, I’ll prove myself),” the 22-year-old said.
India’s Tilak Varma (L) celebrates with captain Suryakumar Yadav after their win against South Africa in the fourth T20I at the Wanderers Stadium.
| Photo Credit:
AP
India’s Tilak Varma (L) celebrates with captain Suryakumar Yadav after their win against South Africa in the fourth T20I at the Wanderers Stadium.
| Photo Credit:
AP
Having played age-group cricket as an opener, Tilak feels he is best suited at number three where he can bat against the moving ball.
“I was an opener until U19 cricket and I scored a lot of runs. I love batting when the ball swings and when the situation is challenging,” he said. “Batting early, I can take a bit of time and will also take additional responsibility for the team which I enjoy.”
Tilak says he is much more than just a ‘white ball player’. He has had limited opportunities to show his potential with the red ball, playing only 18 First Class matches so far, wherein he has scored 1204 runs at an average of 50.16.
“I’m just following my process. I did well for India A and in the Duleep Trophy but haven’t got a chance to play Ranji Trophy because of white-ball series taking place at the same time. I’m prepared for red-ball cricket and I’m looking forward to it,” Tilak said.
With his eye on becoming an all-format player for his country, Tilak is also upskilling himself with the ball in hand.
“I told last year during the IPL that I’m really working on my bowling. I’m trying to bowl a lot more with the red ball so that I get the control which then makes it easier in T20s and ODIs,” the off-spinner said.
“I’m working hard because it helps myself and the team equally. That will be an X-factor for me as well. In the following matches I hope to bowl a lot more,” the youngster said.
With his sound temperament and the ability to adjust his game according to the situation of the match, also looking for other avenues to contribute to the team, Tilak looks set to prove his worth as an international cricketer.