IND vs ENG: "Wanted to take on.." Tilak Varma opens up on bashing Jofra Archer in 2nd T20I

Tilak Varma was named Player of the Match in the second IND vs ENG 2025 T20I.

Indian middle-order batsman Tilak Varma has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting talents in world cricket. The southpaw was at his best in Chennai during the second T20I of the five-match series against England.

Tilak adapted his game to anchor the Indian innings and guide the hosts to victory while chasing a tricky target of 166. The 22-year-old came in to bat at 15/1, but soon saw the score slip to 78/5 after nine overs.

He built a crucial 38-run partnership with Washington Sundar before adding the final 40 runs with Arshdeep Singh and Ravi Bishnoi, sealing the win for India in the last over.

The highlight of Tilak’s innings was his glittering shots against Jofra Archer. Despite dismissing Sanju Samson in the powerplay, Archer had a tough day with the ball, giving away 60 runs in his four overs.

The star Indian middle-order batsman has now revealed his strategy behind taking on Archer during the crunch moment of the game.

Tilak Varma opens up on bashing Jofra Archer in second T20I

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Tilak acknowledged that his plan was to target England’s best bowler to apply psychological pressure on the rest of the bowling attack.

Tilak said, “I wanted to target their best bowler. If you take on the best bowler, other bowlers will be under pressure. So, when the wickets are falling (at the other end), I want to take on their best bowlers,“

He further explained that every shot he played against Archer was something he had practiced extensively in the nets.

He added, “If I do that it makes it easier (for other batters). So, I backed myself and took chances against him and also whatever shots that I have played against Archer, I have worked in the nets, mentally I was ready for them. So it has given me a good result,“

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