Hyderabad: Tilak Varma delivered a standout performance, steering India to a five-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup final. His unbeaten knock of 69 runs from 53 balls, which included three fours and four sixes, was crucial in chasing down a target of 147.
Despite India losing early wickets, Tilak remained unfazed, building significant partnerships. He first added 57 runs for the fourth wicket with Sanju Samson, followed by a 60-run stand with Shivam Dube for the fifth wicket. While Tilak has showcased his composure in high-pressure situations before, particularly during the Indian Premier League (IPL) knockouts for Mumbai Indians (where he scored 207 runs in five innings at a strike rate over 160), his resolve against Pakistan in such a high-stakes encounter was truly remarkable.
The 22-year-old boasts impressive T20I chasing statistics: 370 runs in 11 innings with an average of 92.50 and a strike rate of 134.54, including three half-centuries. In the Asia Cup, Tilak accumulated 213 runs over six innings at a strike rate of 131.48, making him India’s second-highest run-scorer, trailing only Abhishek Sharma’s 314 runs.
“There was immense pressure. Their bowlers were performing exceptionally well, constantly varying their pace. I focused on staying calm and breathing through it. This is undoubtedly one of the most special innings of my career. Chak De India!” an elated Tilak Varma shared after the match.
He further elaborated on his preparation: “We train for every scenario and position. Flexibility is key. I was prepared to bat wherever needed, always trusting my own game.”
Back in his hometown Hyderabad, his childhood coach, Salam Bayash, from the Legala Cricket Academy, shed light on the rigorous dedication that transformed Tilak into a national match-winner for India.
“Witnessing such an innings in the Asia Cup final against Pakistan, under such challenging circumstances, is incredibly gratifying. Tilak has truly become a national hero with this performance,” an emotional Bayash stated. “He has committed himself wholeheartedly to his game since his debut two years ago. Even before the match, I reminded him to never leave a match unfinished. I’m immensely proud to see his hard work culminating in such success.”
Bayash explained Tilak’s evolution: “Tilak initially had a very aggressive style and would often lose his wicket unnecessarily. However, batting in a position where he is expected to finish games, he quickly learned to adapt his play according to the match situation.”
Prior to the Asia Cup, Tilak was honing his skills in red-ball cricket for Hampshire County. He had a very limited window to transition back to white-ball cricket. “After returning from county cricket, we had just two days to prepare. We designed pitches that simulated Dubai’s conditions and focused on practicing there. He also specifically refined his back-foot shots, which proved beneficial,” Bayash disclosed.
His coach firmly believes that Tilak is an all-format player with significant potential, especially in Test cricket. “I’ve always maintained this. He is a versatile player, and red-ball cricket is a particular strength for him. I sincerely hope he gets his opportunity in Test matches soon.”
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