India batter Tilak Varma has explained why he did not go for big shots straightaway during the second T20I against New Zealand in Christchurch. Tilak said the slow pitch and the big boundaries made six-hitting difficult, so he focused on taking the game deep instead of taking unnecessary risks.
India were in trouble during the chase after losing four wickets for 69 runs in the 11th over. Tilak came in at that stage, but the situation got worse when India lost another wicket at 70/5.
The left-handed batter took his time at the crease before changing gears. His approach helped India stay in the chase as he built a crucial partnership with Nitish Kumar Reddy to guide the team towards victory.
Tilak Varma Explains Why Hitting Sixes Was Difficult
Speaking in a video interaction with Nitish Kumar Reddy released by the BCCI, Tilak said the conditions in Christchurch were challenging for batters looking to attack from the start.
He also pointed out that scoring sixes had been easier in the first T20I, but the conditions in Christchurch demanded a different approach. According to Tilak, running hard between the wickets was equally important.
Tilak Varma Had Promised Gautam Gambhir To Take The Game Deep
Tilak also revealed that he wanted to attack when Naman Dhir was at the other end. However, he had made a promise to head coach Gautam Gambhir and assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak that he would try to bat deeper into the innings rather than take unnecessary risks.
The numbers reflected the difference in their approaches during the early stages of the partnership. Both batters were on one run each at the end of the 11th over. Three overs later, Dhir had moved to 30 off 15 balls, while Tilak had added only six runs through singles.
Tilak’s decision to stay patient showed his willingness to adjust to the conditions and play according to the team’s needs rather than chase quick runs.