Former Indian skipper Mohammed Azharuddin praised Tilak Varma after India registered a four-wicket win against New Zealand at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, on Saturday to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
India was under the cosh at 70-5 after 10.5 overs, and the target of 181 runs looked out of reach at that stage. However, Tilak added 42 runs off 24 balls with Naman Dhir, with the latter doing the bulk of the scoring. Subsequently, he added 69 runs off just 30 balls with Nitish Kumar Reddy, who scored a cameo of 13-ball 26.
Varma scored a match-winning knock of 51 runs off just 26 balls, including six fours and a six. Thus, he was awarded Player of the Match for his fine performance.
Azharduddin said on ANI, “Today, I am very happy with the way Tilak Varma has played. He is a very good player, and I sincerely hope and pray that he gets the opportunity to play Test cricket.
“For me, Test cricket is the most important format, and I hope he goes on to represent India in Tests as well. He has been performing very well in T20 cricket, and I think he played a crucial role in ensuring India’s victory today. Congratulations to the team. Cricket is a team game, and the entire team deserves to be congratulated. I wish them the very best of luck,” the former India batter went on to add.
Notably, Varma has an impressive first-class record as he has amassed 1828 runs in 25 matches at an average of 57.12 while playing for Andhra.
The third T20I between India and New Zealand will be played at Hnry Stadium, Wellington on Tuesday.
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