Team India batter Tilak Varma opened up about his pre-match conversation with head coach Gautam Gambhir after playing a crucial role in India’s thrilling two-wicket victory over England in the Chennai T20I on Saturday, January 25.
The left-hander revealed that Gambhir encouraged him to remain adaptable and step up when the situation demanded. In the second T20I at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, India elected to bowl first and restricted England to 165-9.
However, the chase proved challenging as the hosts slumped to 126-7 in 15 overs. Varma anchored the innings with an unbeaten 72 off 55 deliveries, ensuring a tense finish in India’s favour. After being named Player of the Match, the 22-year-old reflected on his discussion with Gambhir before the game and shared insights into the advice he received.
“First of all, the wicket was slightly two-paced and wickets were falling one after the other, so actually I was talking with Gautam Gambhir Sir yesterday [Friday], and he said that whatever happens, played according to the situation. What the team needs, do that. If you want 10 runs in an over, take the charge. Bat sensibly is what he said.”
Varma shared that during the drinks break in the second T20I in Chennai, Gambhir further motivated him by emphasizing the opportunity to showcase his versatility by guiding India to victory from a tough position. The left-hander smashed four boundaries and five sixes in his innings, helping India secure the win in 19.2 overs.
Tilak Varma Reveals His Advice to Ravi Bishnoi During Crucial Partnership
Although Varma was the standout performer in India’s victory in Chennai, he received vital support from leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, who struck two important boundaries in his unbeaten knock of nine off five balls. When asked about their conversation during the partnership, the Mumbai Indians (MI) star shared:
“You know actually, I told Ravi that just hold the shape and play it through the line. You know he played one flick shot and one shot against Livingstone. Those two boundaries made the chase easier.”
Varma and Bishnoi added 20 runs for the ninth wicket, with Varma hitting the winning boundary off Jamie Overton. The third T20I will be held in Rajkot on January 28.
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