Sanjay Manjrekar Compares Tilak Varma’s Match-Winning Maturity to MS Dhoni
Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has heaped praise on young sensation Tilak Varma, likening his calmness and match-winning ability to that of Indian legend MS Dhoni. Tilak’s remarkable knock of 72 not out off 55 balls in India’s two-wicket victory over England in the second T20I showcased his composure and ability to perform under pressure, qualities that reminded Manjrekar of Dhoni’s legendary finishing skills.
Manjrekar’s Analysis
Manjrekar pointed out Tilak’s confidence and ability to handle high-pressure situations, especially during the final overs:
“Even in the 19th over, you could see there was no panic despite boundaries being scarce. Tilak had the belief that he could guide India to victory, just like MS Dhoni used to.”
He also emphasized the importance of having a dependable batter like Tilak at No. 3, capable of anchoring the innings and finishing games, a role Dhoni famously excelled at.
Tilak’s Rising Stardom
Since his T20I debut in August 2023, Tilak Varma has been a consistent performer for India. His promotion to the No. 3 spot during the South Africa tour was met with immediate success, as he registered back-to-back centuries, further solidifying his place in the team.
In the ongoing series against England, Tilak has continued to demonstrate his ability to adapt to different match scenarios. His mature approach in the chase, balancing aggression with caution, has drawn admiration from fans and experts alike.
Tilak’s Post-Match Reflections
Tilak credited his success to Gautam Gambhir’s advice, which emphasized staying calm and focusing on the situation:
“Gautam sir advised me, ‘No matter the circumstances, you must stay till the very end. Your role is to take singles, hit one or two boundaries, and ensure the team wins. That was my mindset today, and I believed I could finish the game.’”
A New Finisher in the Making?
With comparisons to Dhoni, Tilak Varma is quickly establishing himself as a dependable finisher for India. His ability to handle pressure and deliver in crunch moments bodes well for the team as they continue to develop their next generation of match-winners.
Looking Ahead
With a 2-0 lead in the series, India will look to seal the series in the third T20I in Rajkot, while Tilak Varma will aim to continue his stellar form and further cement his reputation as a rising star in Indian cricket.
