India defeated England by two wickets in the 2nd IND vs ENG T20I of the five-match series at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on January 25 (Saturday). Tilak Varma was the standout performer for the Suryakumar Yadav-led Men in Blue as he top-scored in the match with a match-winning 72. After being named Player of the Match, Tilak Varma attributed his unbeaten 72 to head coach Gautam Gambhir's advice to play according to the situation and focus on the team's needs.
Chasing 166, India found themselves in trouble at 78/5 and later 126/7, but Tilak Varma’s superb 55-ball 72 runs knock, featuring four boundaries and five sixes, guided India to victory with four balls to spare, securing a 2-0 lead in the five-match series in a memorable game.
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'Play According To The Situation': Gambhir's Advice To Tilak Varma
Tilak credited coach Gambhir's advice to play according to the situation. He also mentioned the team’s strategy of using a left-right combination to challenge opposition bowlers, and highlighted the preparation for facing quick bowlers.
"The wicket was slightly two-paced. I was talking with Gautam sir yesterday, he said 'Whatever happens, you should play according to the situation. If the team needs ten an over, you should take charge, if something else, you should stand till the end'.”
“The team discussed that a left-right combination will be a good option, it will be difficult for opposition bowlers as well. We already played in South Africa, their bowlers were quicker. We were prepared. Archer and Wood are quick, our guys prepared well, we worked hard in the nets and we got the results,” said Tilak after getting the Player of the Match award.
Earlier in the match, England scored 165-9 in 20 overs with Jos Buttler top-scoring for the side by making 45 runs. Later in the innings, Brydon Carse chipped in with a cameo as he made a brisk 31 to help England cross the 160-run mark.