ന്യൂസിലൻഡിനെതിരായ രണ്ടാം ടി20യിൽ തകർപ്പൻ പ്രകടനവുമായി തിലക് വർമ്മ ഇന്ത്യയെ വിജയത്തിലെത്തിച്ചു. സമ്മർദ്ദഘട്ടങ്ങളിൽ പതറാതെ കളിക്കാനുള്ള തിലകിന്റെ കഴിവ് അദ്ദേഹത്തെ ഭാവിയിലെ മികച്ച നായകനാക്കുമെന്ന് മുൻ താരം ഇർഫാൻ പത്താൻ അഭിപ്രായപ്പെട്ടു. ബാറ്റിംഗ് പൊസിഷനുകളിലെ വൈവിധ്യവും നിർണ്ണായക സമയത്തെ പ്രകടനങ്ങളും തിലകിനെ മറ്റ് താരങ്ങളിൽ നിന്ന് വ്യത്യസ്തനാക്കുന്നു.
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has backed Tilak Varma to become a future leader in Indian cricket, praising the vice-captain's mental strength and versatility after his match-winning knock against New Zealand in the second T20I in Christchurch on Saturday.
Tilak produced an unbeaten 51 off just 26 balls to guide India to a thrilling four-wicket victory, helping the visitors chase down 181 with one ball to spare. India were in serious trouble at 70 for five before Tilak steadied the innings and led the late charge alongside Naman Dhir and Nitish Kumar Reddy.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan highlighted Tilak's ability to adapt to different batting positions and deliver under pressure, saying his mindset sets him apart.
"Tilak Varma is an outstanding batter and an incredibly versatile player. He has scored two international centuries batting at No. 3 for India, but now he has come down the order and won matches with his tremendous fast-bowling hitting ability in the final overs. The way Tilak Varma is demonstrating his ability is remarkable. He only started batting in the middle order during the World Cup, and even then, he did not begin the tournament in that role. He started batting in the middle of the World Cup and has been producing outstanding performances," Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube channel.
TILAK SHOWS HIS MENTAL STRENGTH
India's chase appeared to be slipping away as New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner dismantled the middle order with four wickets for 21 runs. Tilak, however, held his nerve and found an able partner in Nitish Kumar Reddy, who scored an unbeaten 26 off 13 balls.
IND vs NZ 2nd T20I: HIGHLIGHTS | SCORECARD
Tilak first added 42 runs off 25 balls with Naman Dhir, who struck 31 off 17 deliveries, before joining forces with Reddy for an unbeaten 69-run stand off just 30 balls. The partnership took India to 181 for six in 19.5 overs and completed a remarkable turnaround.
Tilak struck six fours and a six, bringing up his half-century off 25 balls. His ability to handle pressure was particularly impressive, considering he had been dismissed cheaply in the previous match while batting at No. 3. Pathan pointed to the contrast between the two innings, highlighting how Tilak put that setback behind him and adapted to the demands of the chase.
"Look at this match. India needed to score more than 12 runs per over in the final five overs. Wickets had fallen, the team was under pressure, and the opposition had brought on spin. India managed only seven runs in one over. But when the fast bowlers came on, Tilak batted brilliantly. He hits well in front of him, plays the midwicket region exceptionally well and has a very good lap shot. Just a day earlier, he had been dismissed early while batting at No. 3. He lost his wicket to a spinner, but he put that failure behind him and produced an unbeaten fifty. That tells you how strong his mindset is," Pathan added.
'TILAK VARMA IS A LEADER OF THE FUTURE'
Pathan believes Tilak's willingness to bat in different positions and take on any role makes him a strong candidate for leadership in the years to come. The former all-rounder said mental strength was essential for a leader and praised the young batter's readiness to put the team's needs first.
"This is why I keep saying that he is a leader of the future. You have to be mentally strong to lead a team, and Tilak has demonstrated that quality. Tilak is versatile. He can bat higher up the order or come in at No. 5, 6 or 7. He knows his game and is willing to do whatever the team asks of him. No. 3? Yes sir. No. 5, 6 or 7? Yes sir. Bat in the middle order? Yes sir. He is ready to do everything. That is a quality of a leader. So well done, Tilak Varma," Pathan further said.
Tilak's match-winning contribution came after New Zealand recovered from an early collapse to post 180 for five. Glenn Phillips top-scored with 70 off 43 balls, while Bevon Jacobs made 58 off 46 deliveries. The pair added 116 runs for the fourth wicket after India reduced the hosts to 41 for three.
Arshdeep Singh led India's bowling effort with two wickets for 33 runs, while Prince Yadav and Bhuvneshwar Kumar also struck early. Nitish Reddy claimed one wicket before playing a decisive role in the chase.