🏏India tour of South Africa:3rd T20@SuperSportPark,Centurion Nov 13🏏 - Page 42

Suryakumar Yadav, India captain: Very happy. What we spoke about in the team meetings, we played the brand of cricket that we wanted to play. (How the young players take on the message of being fearless) That is what we have been telling them to do - similar to what they have been doing in the nets, for their franchises and for their states. Even if they miss out in a few innings, they back their intent and their game. (On if this is the way to play T20 cricket) You can say that because aggression and intent, it is not about just talking. If you step out and take a single, that is what intent is. It has made my job very easier when I watch them bat like that and I feel we are going in the right direction. The energy and intent from everyone, the energy from everyone (in the field) - first time today that we were six or seven minutes ahead (on the over-rate). And what can I say about Tilak Varma. He came to me (in Gqeberha), asked me if he could bat at three. I said to him it was his day and to enjoy himself. I knew what he was capable of doing and very happy for him. He is batting at three going forward definitely (smiles). He asked for it, he delivered. Very happy for his family.

Tilak Varma, Player of the Match: (On the head injury he suffered after dropping a catch in the last over) I am okay, the catch came through the lights, so a little difficult but happy for the win. (On his hundred) I couldn't imagine and I cannot put down in words. It was my dream and it was the right time to score a hundred for my team. A kind of a decider in the series. Under the pressure, it was a good knock. All credit goes to captain Suryakumar Yadav. He has given me an opportunity (at three). Before the game, he told me (that I would bat there). I am really, really happy (he gave me that opportunity). I just wanted to express myself and back my basics. Even under pressure, I followed the basics and backed myself. The wicket was slightly two-paced at the start. When Abhishek was dismissed, it was not easy for the new batter. I was waiting for one partnership and that is what we were talking about. I always believe in my basics. The team management backs every player (to have a positive approach).

The difference between the two sides today was the discipline in bowling. The batters from both teams hit almost the same number of fours and sixes, but South Africa conceded 19 extras whereas India gave away just 6 extras. That is something the home side has to look back on. India have taken a 2-1 lead and in the process ensured the series cannot be lost. South Africa have to do all the work if they are to draw the series in Joburg. That final game is on Friday and we will be here with all the action.

And...breathe. A swashbuckling game that, as Markram said, came down to fine margins. India did just enough and they have now ensured they cannot lose this series. South Africa, though, can still level it and that will be at the top of their wish-list come Friday.

Tilak Varma | Player of the Match: I am okay. It was a difficult chance but I am happy we won the game. I cannot put it in words. It was my dream to play for the country and the hundred came at the right time when the team needed it. All credit to Mr. Suryakumar Yadav, our captain. He gave me the opportunity to bat at 3 and told me to express myself. Thanks to him again (turns back at SKY and smiles). I just backed my basics. Pitch was two paced to start with and it wasn't easy for the new batters coming in when Abhishek got out. I was ready to bat long and was waiting for one partnership.

Aiden Markram: Proud of the effort to get that close. Good to see the contributions from the lower order. It was just down to executing what we discussed. This is a ground where you can chase 220. I feel it is almost an over by over thing. If you win those overs you have a great chance. We will see areas to improve for the next game

Suryakumar Yadav: Very happy. What we spoke about in the team meeting, we played the brand of cricket we discussed. That's what we have been telling them to do. They do that for the franchise, they do that in the nets. Very happy with the way things are going. Aggression and intent is always not about talking. They have made my job easier when I see them bat like that. I feel we are in the right direction. First time we were 6-7 minutes ahead on the field. He (Tilak) came to my room at Gqeberha and said give me a chance at No. 3, I want to do well and I said go out there and express yourself. He asked for it and he delivered. Very happy for him and his family.

The difference between the two sides today was the discipline in bowling. The batters from both teams hit almost the same number of fours and sixes, but South Africa conceded 19 extras whereas India gave away just 6 extras. That is something the home side has to look back on. India have taken a 2-1 lead and in the process ensured the series cannot be lost. South Africa have to do all the work if they are to draw the series in Joburg. That final game is on Friday and we will be here with all the action. Until next time, goodbye and stay safe..

Tilak Varma India

Hyderabad, India U19 B, India U19, Mumbai Indians, India A, South Zone, India

Profile

The son of an electrician from Hyderabad, Tilak Varma didn’t have the best resources at his disposal but what he had was an innate talent for batting. Varma was spotted by a childhood coach playing tennis ball cricket, and the coach took him under his wings. In his early teens, the southpaw used to travel 40kms to and fro for practice at the Legala Cricket Academy, all sponsored by his childhood coach Salim Bayash.

The efforts paid dividends as Mumbai Indians came calling, picking him at the 2022 auctions. The 2022 IPL season was one to forget was MI, as they finished rock bottom but Varma’s performance was a bright spark for the franchise. He was the second highest run getter for MI, and looked like he belonged against some of the best in the world. Varma followed that up with another solid IPL season, and got his maiden T20I call-up for the series against West Indies shortly after.

Varma has been a steady eddy for India in the middle order. His ability to switch gears alongside his useful off breaks makes him a premium product in this Indian setup. Still in his early 20s, the ceiling for a player like Tilak Varma could be too high.

Cong Tilak

https://x.com/CricCrazyJohns/status/1856777708883382749?t=gR5gb0pChkSMUOM6EoXLFQ&s=19

4 words or 20 characters