Tilak Varma received high praise from Wasim Jaffer for his impressive T20I debut against West Indies in Trinidad on Thursday. Jaffer complimented Varma’s batting, likening it to a club or state game.
In the first T20I, India faced a narrow four-run defeat against the hosts, who batted first and scored 149-6 after winning the toss. At the midway point, the Indian team seemed to have the advantage, but they were eventually restricted to 145-9.
Despite the disappointment in the overall team performance with the bat, Tilak Varma, making his debut, stood out by smashing 39 runs off 22 balls. He showcased control and confidence at the crease, hitting sixes off the second and third deliveries he faced.
Commending the young left-hander, Wasim Jaffer told ESPNcricinfo:
“He looked impressive. There were no nerves at all. The way he started, it seemed like he was playing a club game or for his state team. No pressure at all.”
“He came out and backed his game. That’s the good thing about him – it shows that he’s mentally very strong. He was the only one who looked very comfortable on this pitch.”
Jaffer further stated that India could have secured victory if Varma had stayed at the crease for a little longer.
“The shots that he played, not just the big ones, even the slices through third man and the other shots, shows that he was in good form. He would be disappointed that he couldn’t score 20-odd more run.”
“If Varma had got 50 or 60, India would have got home. Sanju Samson’s run-out also cost them. He was looking good,” he added.
Varma’s attempt to pull a slower short delivery from Romario Shepherd resulted in him getting caught in the deep.
Takes a blinder.
Hits back to back sixes to kick off his innings.
A dashing debut for Tilak Varma 😎#INDvWIAdFreeonFanCode #WIvIND pic.twitter.com/VpcKOyfMSR— FanCode (@FanCode) August 3, 2023
Jaffer expressed worry about Ishan Kishan’s form in T20 internationals
Jaffer raised concern over Ishan Kishan’s poor T20I form during India’s batting discussion. Kishan got out for 6 against Obed McCoy in the first T20I.
“Ishan Kishan’s form in T20 international cricket is a little bit of a worry. In last 15 games, he hasn’t crossed 40 and his strike rate is not impressive at all.”
“That is something the management can look into. Yashasvi Jaiswal is in such good form, coming out of a breakthrough IPL. Wonder if looking at him is a good option,” the former player commented.
Kishan has played 28 T20Is, accumulating 659 runs at an average of 24.40 and a strike rate of 121.81.
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