Tilak Varma starred with the bat in India’s nervy two-wicket victory over England in the second T20I at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Saturday (January 25).

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 the win, Tilak Varma revealed his conversation with head coach Gautam Gambhir a day before the match.

“Wicket was slightly two-paced. I was talking with Gautam sir yesterday, he said that, 'whatever happens, you should play according to the situation, you should be flexible.' Left-right will be a good option to bat out there, and it'll be slightly difficult for the bowlers as they should change their lines and lengths,” Varma said at the post-match presentation.

The stylish left-hander also reflected on his gameplan against the short ball, saying: “We already played in South Africa, it was actually more difficult than this. We prepared but Archer and Wood are really quick. Everyone prepared well, we worked really hard in the nets and that gave us the results.”

Talking about his partnership with Bishnoi, Varma remarked, “I told him (Bishnoi) to hold the shape and look to hit in the gap. One flick against the fast bowler and one four against Livingstone, it was extraordinary. That made it easier to finish the game.”

India now hold a 2-0 lead in the five-match T20I series against England. The two sides will next face on January 28 in Rajkot.