Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif heavily praised Tilak Varma following his match-winning knock during India’s second T20I against New Zealand at Hagley Oval, Christchurch on Saturday (October 24).
Kaif strongly defended Tilak’s calculated anchoring approach, emphasizing that starting at a "run-a-ball" pace is perfectly fine if the player possesses the composure and belief to absorb high pressure, adapt, and dramatically accelerate at the back end to finish the match.
Kaif also noted that the southpaw has exceptional core technique, making him a viable all-format batter who shouldn't be forced out of his distinct rhythm just to fit standard modern T20 pacing expectations.
"Tilak Varma has set an example that if someone is playing at a run-a-ball at the start, that is not bad. It is the system of taking time and then going on to finish the game. He was retired out once in MI. I had told it was wrong at that time as well. His way of playing is different. But he finishes the game and accelerates later, keeping himself in that zone under pressure. He has belief in his game. He has shown that taking time is not wrong. It is not a crime. He has done this before as well. Many people are not even close to the role he is playing for India," Kaif said in a video on his YouTube channel.
Kaif urged people to give Tilak the creative freedom to play his natural game, noting that his specific role as a finisher who visualizes winning games makes him invaluable to the Indian setup.
"He visualises himself finishing the game and has the hunger to be there. It is difficult to describe this innings in words. He is also an all-format batter. He has a nice technique. People think he plays slowly and cannot match modern T20 batters. But he has his style, and we must allow him to play the way he does. We should not panic or call him out. He should be given the freedom. He might get out also at times, but it is okay," Kaif added.
Chasing 181 in the second T20I, the Men in Blue were left reeling at 70/5 in the 11th over. However, Tilak anchored the innings with a brilliant, unbeaten 51 off 26 balls. The vice-captain partnered with Naman Dhir (31 off 17) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (26* off 13) to successfully secure the match for India with four wickets and one delivery to spare.
On a separate note, Kaif endorsed Tilak Varma as a strong long-term candidate to captain Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Kaif highlighted Tilak's composure under pressure and recent leadership experience—including captaining the South Zone in the Duleep Trophy—as key reasons why he is "captain material" for the franchise.
"Why not? He is a future investment as well. If you give him captaincy now, he can play for 7-8 years for them or even more. Although Rohit is there, I am sure Pollard will talk to him. I don't know how Rohit will take it. But Tilak, who is the vice-captain and captained in the Duleep Trophy as well, is heading towards that direction. You can give it to him, and it is a good option. You need calmness under pressure as captain, and that is Tilak's second nature. He is captain material, and he will do well if MI give him that role," Kaif remarked.
