Tilak Varma Credits Gautam Gambhir’s Advice for Match-Winning Knock Against England

AayushPathak

 By Aayush Pathak January 26, 2025

India pulled off a thrilling win against England in the second T20I at Chennai’s Chepauk Stadium on January 25. Tilak Varma was the hero of the match, smashing an unbeaten 72 off 55 balls to guide India to a tough two-wicket victory. Chasing 166, India sealed the deal with just four balls to spare.

Reflecting on his match-winning innings, Tilak credited India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir for inspiring him.

Gautam Gambhir’s Words of Wisdom

Tilak revealed a crucial pre-match conversation with Gambhir that fueled his approach.

“I was talking with Gautam sir yesterday. He said whatever happens, play according to the situation. If the team needs ten an over, take charge. If not, stand till the end,” Tilak shared during the post-match presentation.

Gambhir’s advice proved invaluable as Tilak navigated a two-paced wicket while wickets kept falling around him.

Tilak’s Knock: A Masterclass in Adaptability

Tilak’s innings included four fours and five towering sixes. The highlight came when he dispatched Jofra Archer for four sixes, the fourth bringing up his fifty. Archer, despite his express pace, found no answers to Tilak’s precise shot selection and timing.

“The wicket was tricky, but we were prepared. We faced quicker bowlers in South Africa, so we knew what to expect from Archer and Wood,” Tilak added.

Tilak also shared his instructions to tailender Ravi Bishnoi during their partnership. “I told him to hold his shape and hit the gap. When he flicked Livingstone for four, it eased the pressure.”

A Tumbling Top Order and English Dominance

The chase began with a flurry of boundaries by Abhishek Sharma, but Mark Wood’s searing pace soon turned the tide. Sharma’s dismissal, followed by Sanju Samson’s, left India wobbling at 19 for two.

Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma briefly stabilized India’s innings with a 39-run partnership. But once Suryakumar got out, things started unraveling again. Hardik Pandya was the next to fall, leaving India struggling at 78 for five.

Washington Sundar then played a much-needed cameo to give India some breathing room. He took advantage of a dropped catch by Adil Rashid and smashed Mark Wood for a six and two fours in the same over. Unfortunately, Sundar couldn’t hold on, getting dismissed while trying to handle a fast delivery. India were left at 116 for six when he walked back to the pavilion.

Tilak Stands Tall Amid Chaos

Despite wickets falling at the other end, Tilak held his. He partnered with Ravi Bishnoi to steer India home with four balls to spare. His heroics earned him the Player of the Match award.

“This innings was special because of the situation. It feels good to contribute when the team needs you most,” Tilak concluded.

India have now taken a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.

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