2nd T20I: Suryakumar Praises Tilak's Performance, Highlights Learning Opportunities

Key Takeaways

Tilak Varma scored an impactful 72 runs, leading India to victory.
India faced early challenges but managed to secure the win with key partnerships.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav highlighted the importance of learning from experiences.
England’s Jos Buttler acknowledged the competitive nature of the match.
Team spirit and preparation were crucial for India's success.

Chennai, Jan 25 (NationPress) After Tilak Varma led India to victory in a thrilling second T20I against England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Saturday, captain Suryakumar Yadav expressed his satisfaction with the approach of the left-handed batsman, noting several lessons for the team.

During the chase for 166 runs, India started strongly but quickly found themselves in trouble at 78/5 due to the visitors' bowlers who delivered exceptional performances. Despite the pressure, Tilak, who had gotten off to an explosive start, adjusted his batting style and calmly secured his first T20I fifty in India without celebrating.

He displayed impressive composure by maintaining his focus and working with the tail-enders, strategically managing the strike, and ultimately leading the team to victory with four balls to spare, remaining not out at 72 runs off 55 balls, including four boundaries and five sixes in a remarkable innings that will be remembered for a long time.

Tilak received support from Ravi Bishnoi, who contributed nine not out, forming a pivotal partnership of 20 runs to secure the win. “It’s great to see us playing an aggressive style of cricket. At the same time, the players stepped up and built crucial partnerships. I’m very pleased with Tilak's innings; it’s a lesson for everyone. It's good to witness someone taking charge,” said Suryakumar.

“Ravi Bishnoi has been putting in the effort in practice, aiming to contribute with the bat. The team has alleviated a lot of pressure, and the atmosphere in the dressing room is enjoyable. There will be days when we don’t succeed, but we know our goals. If we remain united, positive outcomes will follow,” he added during the post-match presentation.

He mentioned that winning a tense match brought a sense of relief. “It’s somewhat relieving. Given how the game progressed, we thought a target of 160 was reasonable, but their bowling was commendable, making the match go down to the wire. We have been playing with an extra batsman in recent series, which provides us with a couple of overs. The strategy was to play as we did in the previous match.”

Jos Buttler, England’s captain, praised Tilak’s performance and acknowledged the challenge they posed to India. “It was a fantastic game with an exciting finish; credit goes to Tilak for guiding them to victory. We created many opportunities and really challenged them.” Buttler also expressed satisfaction with England’s improved batting performance, scoring 165 compared to their previous match in Kolkata, where they were bowled out for 132. “I’m delighted with the aggressive approach we showed, which nearly resulted in a defendable score.”

“Jamie Smith on his debut played remarkably, along with Brydon Carse and the team creating chances with the ball. We will work on our performance but are pleased with our overall style. They will likely employ three spinners, aiming to take wickets, and if we can restrict runs, I am content,” he concluded.