India had very little time to settle into new conditions after finishing their home series against the West Indies. Just four days later, the players were in New Zealand for the first T20I, facing a different climate, pitches and playing conditions.
With international cricket becoming increasingly packed, such quick turnarounds have become part of the game. Players have to adapt quickly, both physically and mentally, without letting the demanding schedule affect their performances.
Tilak Varma believes the Indian team has accepted this challenge and understands the responsibility that comes with playing at the highest level. He said the players want to set an example for the next generation rather than make excuses about the tight schedule.
ALSO READ: Double Whammy For New Zealand As Two Superstar Pacers Ruled Out Of T20I Series vs India
Gautam Gambhir’s Message To Team India
Head coach Gautam Gambhir has also made his expectations clear. According to Tilak, Gambhir told the players that their performance in the T20I series against New Zealand would be important for the rest of the tour, which also includes five ODIs and two Test matches.
Recommended For You
“At this level, we cannot make excuses. We are at the highest level, and we need to set standards for the youngsters who look up to us,” Tilak told reporters ahead of the fourth T20I.
“Gautam sir (head coach Gautam Gambhir) made it clear in team meetings that this is a long tour and the standard we set as a T20 side will provide momentum for the ODI and Test squads.”
India Eye Clean Sweep Against New Zealand
India have made an excellent start to the tour, winning the first three T20Is to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series. The team will now look to maintain its winning run and complete a 5-0 clean sweep.
ALSO READ: Massive Blow For India As Star Pacer Likely To Miss New Zealand ODI Series, Auqib Nabi In Contention
Tilak said the players are focused on winning the next match and giving Indian fans another reason to celebrate.
“We are thinking this is a great opportunity to achieve a clean sweep. The next goal is to win the upcoming match and give the Indian crowd a great chance to witness a 5–0 series win,” he said.
India have won all three matches with impressive run chases, putting New Zealand under pressure throughout the series. The hosts have also suffered a setback on the injury front, with two of their leading fast bowlers ruled out of the remaining matches.
When Is The 4th India vs New Zealand T20I?
The fourth T20I between India and New Zealand will be played at Eden Park on Friday.