Former Indian batting coach Abhishek Nayar lavished praise on Tilak Varma after the left-hander delivered under pressure in the high-octane clash against arch-rivals Pakistan in the Asia Cup final at Dubai on Sunday. Varma came out to bat when India were 10-2 in the run-chase of 147 and were soon reduced to 20-3 after four overs.
However, the left-hander was able to steady the ship, adding 57 runs with Sanju Samson and 60 runs with Shivam Dube. Varma went on to score an unbeaten knock of 69 runs off 53 balls, scoring three fours and four sixes in his match-winning innings.
Nayar revealed that Varma used to listen to coaches during his tenure with the Indian team and worked hard on his batting.
“The best thing was that it’s not like he was playing an anchor’s role only. At the right time, we were also discussing that a six or a four should be hit now, and at that time, he was listening to us and playing,” Nayar said on Sony Sports.
Nayar praised Varma for delivering on a tricky pitch when the team was put under pressure.
“It was a big game. There was pressure and for the first time in this tournament, India were behind after six overs. So to make a comeback from there on a slow-turning pitch, targeting the right overs, I think it’s an unbelievable knock,” Nayar observed.
On the other hand, former Indian opener Virender Sehwag said Tilak Varma had to stay unbeaten till the end for the team to get over the line.
“India were behind for sure. Three players had gotten out in the powerplay. However, it seemed like India could make a comeback after Tilak and Samson’s partnership. We were discussing in commentary that Tilak Varma had to stay till the end if India had to win this Asia Cup final, and he did that only,” he said.
“You rarely get to see such knocks. It was a big game, a final against Pakistan, and one batter played till the end and won the match. He played extremely cool and calm cricket. He played shots that were in his radar. He didn’t take any undue risk,” Sehwag elaborated.
India will next host the West Indies in a two-match Test series.
