Tilak Varma played a match-winning knock in the second T20I against England at Chepauk.
Chasing 166 to win, the Men in Blue overhauled the target with four deliveries to spare, courtesy of Varma’s 72* off 55 balls. India were reeling at 78/5 at one stage but the southpaw added 38 runs for the sixth wicket with Washington Sundar to keep the hosts in the hunt.
While Sundar fell after scoring 26 off 19 balls, Tilak held the one end firmly and batted brilliantly with the tail. His unbeaten 20-run stand with leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi (9* off 5) took India over the line.
After his match-winning exploits, Tilak Varma heaped praise on skipper Suryakumar Yadav's leadership, pointing out how well he bonds with every player and gives them so much time.
"I can only say one thing, not just for me. We both play together in the IPL (Indian Premier League for Mumbai Indians) as well. But even for any new player, he maintains the bond so well with every player. On the field, off the field too. He gives so much time to all the players. It feels great when someone like Suryakumar Yadav, the captain of India, is with us. Even if any new kid joins the team, it doesn't feel like it with him," Tilak said while speaking on Star Sports' Cricket Live show.
"He bonds so well with everyone. All that makes a lot of difference on the field. Especially when you see the batting and in the field, he is very friendly with everyone. You can understand where to go, in the field, and you have to understand a few things. All that becomes easy because he spends so much time with us. So, actually, not just for me but for the rest of the team, it's very beneficial," he added.
The left-hander also thanked the captain for showing faith on him to bat at No. 3 spot. "As for this series, there is a left-right combination going on, so wherever I am needed, I am there. The flexibility is good, and I am adapting well to it. I am always ready," he remarked.
India currently hold a 2-0 lead over England in the five-match series. The third T20I will be played in Rajkot on January 28.
(With ANI Inputs)