Tilak Varma reveals Gautam Gambhir's key advice behind India's chase in 2nd T20I

Tilak Varma, India’s standout performer in the second T20I against England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, credited head coach Gautam Gambhir for providing crucial advice that helped India chase down 166 runs.

Varma’s composed innings and his guidance to tail-ender Ravi Bishnoi played a pivotal role in securing the win.

Gambhir's strategy was simple yet effective: if the required run rate reached 7-8 runs per over, the batters should aim for at least one boundary every over. Varma adapted this guidance to suit the situation, especially during the tense final overs when India needed 20 runs off 18 balls. Bishnoi, India's number nine, executed this plan under Varma's direction, hitting crucial boundaries in the 18th and 19th overs.

Tilak Varma and Ravi Bishnoi managed to script a memorable win

Bishnoi hit a boundary off Brydon Carse in the 18th over and then did the same off the off-spinner Liam Livingstone in the 19th. These shots came at a time when pressure was eased, as six runs were required from the final over. Varma finished the match in style by slicing Jamie Overton for a boundary.

Reflecting on the match, Varma said, "First of all, the wicket was slightly two-paced. One after the other, the wickets were falling. Gautam sir told me that you have to bat according to the situation. He told me if we need 7-8 runs an over, then I should look for one boundary every over.

He added, "Archer and Wood were really quick and were bowling well. But we were prepared. We work hard in nets. The advice to Bishnoi was to hold the shape while playing his shots and it worked out. You saw the couple of boundaries he hit, it was extraordinary. That made it easier to finish the game."

Varma, batting at number three, remained unbeaten on 72 off 55 balls, an innings that included four boundaries and five sixes at a strike rate of 130.91. Walking in at 19/2, Varma held the innings together as wickets kept falling at the other end. Brydon Carse led England’s bowling attack with three wickets, but Varma’s controlled knock ensured India’s victory.

Since Virat Kohli retired from T20Is, the Hyderabadi batter has been a revelation at the number three position, cementing his place with consistent performances, including two centuries against South Africa last year. This latest match-winning effort further solidifies his reputation as a dependable and adaptable batter.

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