Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Ambati Rayudu has praised Tilak Varma for his composed, match-winning performance in the second T20I between India and England. Rayudu believes that the 22-year-old has the potential to become an all-format player for India.
England set a target of 166 after batting first in Chennai on Saturday, January 25. Tilak responded with an unbeaten 72 from 55 balls, guiding India to a two-wicket victory with four balls to spare, securing a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
Speaking on Star Sports, Rayudu highlighted Tilak’s ability to live up to Suryakumar Yadav’s trust and expressed confidence that his fellow Mumbaikar could play for India across all formats.
“He is a superstar cricketer and I have seen him grow in Hyderabad. He has played four extraordinary knocks. Since Suryakumar Yadav has become the captain, the confidence he has been given and the trust that has been shown in him, he is paying him back fully,” he said.
“I feel India have got a huge superstar and he can become an all-format player. It’s not that he is only a T20 player. Considering the maturity he showed today (Saturday), he has the ability to be a match-winner for India for many years. So I feel he should be backed in every format,” Rayudu added.
“Tilak Varma had the perfect response” – Ambati Rayudu on England’s short-ball strategy
During the same discussion, Ambati Rayudu observed that Tilak Varma effectively countered England’s short-ball tactics. He commented:
“England came with a plan that they would bowl short against Tilak Varma, wouldn’t give him room, and make him play the pull shot towards fine leg. However, Tilak Varma had all the answers,” he said.
The former India batter suggested that the visitors are unlikely to employ the same tactics against Tilak in the upcoming three matches. He further added:
“He used the pace very well. Angles are extremely important in batting. He was hitting the balls wherever he wanted using the pace. He batted exceptionally with the right approach and execution, and I don’t think England will again try to bowl like this,” Rayudu observed.
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