India batter Tilak Varma has credited the team’s bowlers for their dominant 3-0 lead in the ongoing five-match T20I series against New Zealand. The left-handed batter praised the bowling unit for delivering under pressure during the middle and death overs, highlighting their improvement after an expensive outing in the series opener.
India conceded 225 runs in the first T20I but bounced back strongly, restricting New Zealand to 180 and 198 in the next two matches. Their improved bowling performances, combined with explosive batting from Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma and Tilak himself, have helped the visitors secure an unassailable series lead.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of the fourth T20I in Auckland, Tilak Varma specifically praised the bowlers’ execution during crucial phases of the game. He also singled out young pacer Prince Yadav for his ability to deliver accurate yorkers when the team needs them most.
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“In the last two games, we have bowled really well as a bowling unit, especially in the death overs and the middle phase. If you see Prince Yadav especially, the way he is executing the yorkers when the team needs them, especially in the death overs,” Tilak Varma said.
The Indian batter also highlighted the importance of adapting to the ground dimensions at Eden Park. With shorter boundaries on certain sides, bowlers will need to execute their plans carefully to prevent New Zealand from scoring freely. “I have never played here, but I have heard. So, with that again, those crucial overs, bowling in the death, executing those yorkers will be really crucial,” he added.
India will look to extend their winning run when the fourth T20I takes place in Auckland on Friday. Although the series is already decided, the visitors will aim to maintain their momentum ahead of the remaining fixtures.
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Meanwhile, Tilak has continued to establish himself as a dependable middle-order batter, particularly in run chases. His contribution in the second T20I, where he helped India navigate a challenging chase alongside Nitish Reddy, underlined his growing ability to finish matches.
Reflecting on his development, Tilak Varma explained how his approach has evolved since moving from No. 3 to the No. 5 or No. 6 position. “I already had the power game; I have scored runs at number three as well. Now, batting at number five or six, I think about going for a boundary off the very first ball only if it is there to be hit,” he said.
