India vs England: Can Tilak Varma be the next all-format player for India?

Former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu has lauded the young and talented Tilak Varma after his sensational match-winning performance in the second T20I against England on January 25 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. With India chasing a challenging target of 166 runs, the team found themselves in trouble, losing wickets at regular intervals. However, Tilak remained calm and composed, showcasing remarkable grit and maturity beyond his years to steer the hosts to a thrilling two-wicket victory with just four balls to spare. Tilak's innings of 72* off 55 balls was a masterclass in resilience and timing. Despite the mounting pressure, he struck four boundaries and five sixes, keeping the scoreboard ticking and ensuring that India remained in the hunt.

Tilak Varma takes his game to another level in the India vs England 2nd T20I

Tilak Varma's composed knock helped guide the team to the much-needed win, with his performance being a standout in what was otherwise a tense chase. Rayudu, who has been a seasoned campaigner in Indian cricket, was quick to praise Tilak for his temperament and ability to handle pressure in a high-stakes situation. With his knock, Tilak has further cemented his reputation as one of the rising stars of Indian cricket, and his performance in this crucial match will surely be remembered as a defining moment in his career.

Ambati Rayudu, a former India cricketer and a fellow Hyderabad native, has heaped praise on Tilak Varma for his outstanding performance in the second T20I against England. Rayudu highlighted how Tilak not only repaid the faith shown in him by India’s T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav, but also showcased his exceptional talent in a high-pressure situation. Describing the young batter as a "superstar," Rayudu believes that Tilak has the potential to represent India in all three formats of the game.

Rayudu emphasized the maturity Tilak displayed, especially in the face of a challenging chase, where India was losing wickets at regular intervals. Despite the pressure, Tilak’s calm and composed knock of 72* from 55 balls demonstrated his ability to handle pressure situations, and he took the team across the line in style. Rayudu noted that this performance was just the beginning and that Tilak has the temperament and skill set to thrive at the highest level.

Urging the selectors and team management to back Tilak in all formats, Rayudu stressed that the young batter’s versatile game and consistency make him a valuable asset for India. According to Rayudu, with proper backing, Tilak has all the qualities to become a mainstay in Indian cricket for years to come. His knock in Chennai further solidified his growing stature in Indian cricket.

"He is a superstar cricketer and I have seen him grow in Hyderabad. He has played four extraordinary knocks. Since Suryakumar Yadav has become the captain, the confidence he has been given and the trust that has been shown in him, he is paying him back fully," stated former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu. 

"I feel India have got a huge superstar and he can become an all-format player. It's not that he is only a T20 player. Considering the maturity he showed today (Saturday), he has the ability to be a match-winner for India for many years. So I feel he should be backed in every format," he added. 

Ambati Rayudu also praised Tilak Varma for his composed response to England’s short-ball tactics, which were aimed at unsettling the young batter. Despite the pressure, Tilak remained unfazed, executing his shots with great skill and confidence. Rayudu commended Tilak’s approach to countering the short-pitched deliveries, noting that the 20-year-old handled the challenge with remarkable maturity, staying focused on the task at hand. Rayudu’s insights underscored that Tilak’s ability to adapt to different challenges is a testament to his growing skill and composure under pressure.

Looking ahead, the India vs England third T20I of the series is scheduled to be played at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot on Tuesday, January 28. With India leading the series, England faces a must-win situation to stay in contention. The match promises to be a thrilling contest, as England will look to bounce back from their defeat and level the series. For India, maintaining the momentum and backing young talents like Tilak Varma will be key to securing the series victory. The stage is set for another exciting battle between the two teams.

"England came with a plan that they would bowl short against Tilak Varma, wouldn't give him room, and make him play the pull shot towards fine leg. However, Tilak Varma had all the answers," noted Rayudu.