CHENNAI: Tilak Varma may only be at the nascent stage of his T20I career, but the versatile India batter is moulding into a bankable resource.
In the tour to South Africa late last year, the left-hander, who was promoted to No. 3, activated his destructive mode, especially during his twin unbeaten centuries. While Tilak has carved a niche for himself with positive intent-filled knocks, the fast-rising 22-year-old on Saturday displayed another key facet of his game.

Up against a pace-heavy England attack on a tricky Chepauk track in the second T20I, Tilak showed excellent awareness in the successful 166-run chase and did just what the doctor ordered when the match seemed to be drifting away from the hosts. The southpaw expertly blended caution and aggression besides taking up the lead role in tough circumstances.
“The pitch was double-paced and it was quite challenging to bat on. Wickets were falling continuously, and I was thinking that I should bat till the end. I wanted to show intent and I was looking for the gaps as well. I did that,” said Tilak after delivering a spectacular unbeaten 72, for which the ‘Man of the Match’ deservedly received a standing ovation.

“I know that I can play both types, hitting at a good strike-rate and scoring at six or seven runs per over. During the drinks break, Gautam Gambhir (head coach) told me that I can show everyone that I can play over 10 and under 10 (run-rate). He asked me to be flexible. I got a chance to prove myself in this game,” added Tilak.
The youngster operated with a simple yet effective mantra. He met fire with fire, targeting pacer Jofra Archer, whom he smacked for 30 runs off just nine deliveries.
“I wanted to take on their (England’s) best bowlers. If I take on the best bowlers, it will put pressure on the others. When wickets were falling, I wanted to take on their best bowler. I felt that it would make the job easier for the batters at the other end. I backed myself and took chances. I was mentally prepared for it, having played those shots at the nets,” he said.
Brimming with confidence after producing yet another effective knock, Tilak is prepared to perform a different role if required. “Before the South Africa series, I had not batted much at No. 3, maybe two or three times. I am ready to bat anywhere, and I am flexible. I know how to manage while batting at Nos 4, 5 or 6, but I like batting at No. 3. What the team needs, I am ready for that,” Tilak went on to add.