Former Indian opener Kris Srikkanth believes Tilak Varma will become a bigger batsman after he scored runs in the high-octane clash against Pakistan in the Asia Cup final at Dubai on Sunday, leading his team to a five-wicket win.
The left-hander kept his composure when the stakes were high, as he scored 69 runs off just 53 balls and batted at the top of his game. India was under all kinds of pressure at 20-3 in the run-chase of 147 but Varma showed great maturity in his game plan and delivered the goods for the team.
Kris Srikkanth said on his YouTube Channel, “Tilak Varma has been crucial in this entire tournament. He has quietly played well in almost all matches. Tilak Varma will be a bigger batsman from now. He’ll be better and bigger, having won India a match from this situation by taking responsibility. It wasn’t just about scoring in a final but also scoring in a difficult situation to win the match against Pakistan.”
“Tilak Varma batted at a different level. That first six off Faheem was unbelievable. He displayed incredible maturity, playing no unnecessary or risky shots. And he was assured about staying till the end and winning the game. This was one of the best knocks in a final, especially against Pakistan.”
Tilak scored 213 runs in six innings of the Asia Cup at an average of 71 and a strike rate of 131.48.
The World Cup-winning player said India were in control as the required run rate never went out of reach.
“I said before the final itself even if Abhishek Sharma fails, Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson will do it for India. The Indian batting lineup is too strong. It only looks like a close match but the required run rate never went out of control. Yes, they bowled well at one stage,” said Srikkanth.
“But once the Tilak Varma-Sanju Samson partnership blossomed, the game was finished. India still had Rinku Singh and Axar Patel, who didn’t even come out to bat. I would have said it was close if we won eight down but here we were only five down.”
India will next take on the West Indies in a two-match home Test series.
