New Delhi, Feb 11 (NationPress) Tilak Varma, the left-handed batsman from India, has emphasized the importance of not underestimating any competitor in the Men's T20 World Cup. He highlighted that the tournament's brief format implies that any team can emerge victorious over another, necessitating players to bring their A game to every match. The defending champions, India, are set to face Namibia in their second Group A encounter at the Arun Jaitley Stadium this Thursday evening.

"You cannot afford to take any new team lightly, particularly in a World Cup setting. The last match serves as a testament to that. While we haven't treated it lightly, reading the conditions is essential. Surya bhai's innings during the game against the USA has been tremendously beneficial," Varma remarked during the pre-match press conference.

He further stated, "We must adhere to our fundamentals and play our best game by assessing the field and the prevailing situation. Every ball holds substantial significance as T20 cricket is compact. Anything is possible. Every match demands your A game," Varma added.

Varma mentioned his readiness to bat in any position within India's batting order. He doesn’t hesitate to take on the role of an anchor amidst aggressive hitters, depending on what the situation demands. "I am adaptable to any position, but the middle overs are crucial for a settled batsman. If we are chasing, I prefer to take the game deep and secure the win," he noted.

"I take the game deep as we are not short of power hitters. Everyone is willing to hit the ball hard from the opening batsman to number eight. Thus, having an anchor in the middle phase is vital. One or two batsmen in the lineup must play that role. I willingly accept that pressure, allowing others to go for the big shots," he elaborated.

Varma shared that head coach Gautam Gambhir has advised the team to exercise caution when wickets fall rapidly, a challenge India faced against the USA, where they found themselves at 77/6. "The head coach has emphasized that we should play cautiously if wickets fall in clusters, as was the case against the USA. Suryakumar bhai and I are capable of stepping up as anchors if necessary," he said.

Varma also laid out their plan for the crucial overs, stating, "We've had discussions about how well we perform at numbers three and four, particularly me and Surya, as we can navigate through overs effectively. Abhishek has the ability to hit sixes, while Ishan, Sanju bhai, and the other batsmen are power hitters. The role of a batsman in-between is extremely significant.

"I firmly believe that the team that excels between the 6th and 16th overs will likely win the tournament. That is why we are taking it upon ourselves to play at three and four, managing the pressure while letting the finishers take charge; that’s our strategy," he stated.

Having recently returned from emergency surgery for a lower abdomen issue conducted in Rajkot last month, Varma expressed his joy at returning to play in his inaugural World Cup for India. "I am incredibly happy to be back in the World Cup squad. I've been diligently working over the past few weeks and following good routines," he expressed.

"I feel fortunate that I am back on the field. My goal is to win the World Cup and I am prepared to take on any role the team requires. I am always ready to play for the team and am looking forward to it," he remarked.

Sharing insights on his mental preparation routines, Varma mentioned that he maintains his competitive edge through nightly visualization exercises, even during his recovery at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. "When I’m without my bat for a couple of days, it feels odd, as if I’ve entered a different world. Every night before sleeping, I visualize myself playing in the World Cup final and other significant matches," he explained.

"I put myself under pressure, but I don't dwell on it since it’s been a long-standing habit. I’ve held the bat for many years now, and these thoughts come to me automatically before I sleep. It’s a positive thing. That’s why I didn’t feel like I had taken a break; my mind was always in that winning zone," he said.

When questioned about India's prospects beyond the group stage, Varma emphasized focusing on one match at a time. "There’s ample time for the Super Eights and the finals. We must focus on each match as it comes. Currently, our focus is on tomorrow's match and how we can perform well. It's essential to think match by match. When everything aligns, it feels satisfying," he stated.

According to Varma, playing a World Cup in one’s home country comes with unique pressures and privileges. He described the experience as a dream for any cricketer. "Playing the World Cup in home conditions is a dream that not every cricketer gets to realize. We started our opening match at Wankhede, and we consider ourselves fortunate. It’s a moment many cricketers yearn for," he said.

“The more you express, the more you enjoy. However, there is pressure playing in home conditions. Everyone expects us to win. The last match showcased the immense support from the crowd. While expectations are high, we also benefit from the crowd’s backing. We can enjoy the game as we know the conditions well. There are both advantages and disadvantages to such expectations. We have been handling pressure since childhood, as it’s part of our job. We are enjoying this moment and await what comes next," he concluded.