After gaining form in the ongoing T20 World Cup, Tilak Varma has asserted that India’s aggressive strategy in the tournament is here to stay, even in the face of early setbacks. On Thursday, Indian batsmen
delivered a collective performance, posting a formidable 256 for four against Zimbabwe in a crucial Super 8 match, leading to a 72-run triumph for the home team.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Tilak said this approach instils a sense of dread in opposing bowlers.
“We are just looking for this. We are just looking as an individual…I would not say as an individual – we are looking for the runs (as a team). We also discussed that whatever the situation is, if we got out in a power play like three or four wickets, we bat with the same rhythm,” Tilak said in the post-match press conference.
Tilak praised Sanju Samson, who replaced Rinku Singh in the lineup, for his pivotal role. The Kerala opener’s brisk 24 off 15 balls helped build a 48-run partnership with Abhishek Sharma in just 3.4 overs.
“It’s important when openers give a good start, it also follows the same confidence to the number three, four and five (batters). So, that’s what Sanju started brilliantly. So, that’s what we discussed, and we want to see the fear in opposition bowlers that these guys (Indian batters) are ready to hit every ball,” he added.
Reflecting on the team’s earlier struggles against South Africa in the Super Eights opener, Tilak revealed that the players revisited videos of previous T20 matches to reinforce a successful batting strategy ahead of their game at Chepauk.
“As we discussed just before the game, we’ll go with a good mindset. We have seen the past year of T20 cricket, how we played. So, it was after seeing that video that everyone got our confidence, and that’s what we discussed as a team, like we just enjoy and put the smile on,” he said.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir also played a significant role in motivating the team to play without hesitation.
“Gautam sir also said, whatever the situation, just remember the brand of cricket we played since last year and also in the New Zealand and South Africa series (at home). So, whatever the situation, as individuals, go out there and smile and enjoy the game,” he said.
(With PTI Inputs)
