"Coming after injury and scoring hundred...": Tilak Varma drops strong statement after maiden T20I ton

Tilak Varma scripted a new chapter in cricketing history, becoming the second-youngest player ever to smash a century in T20I cricket for India, and he did it with sheer audacity in the third match against South Africa at the SuperSport Park Cricket Stadium in Centurion on Wednesday (November 13).

Facing South Africa in the third clash of the ongoing four-match T20I series in Centurion, the young left-handed batter took the cricket world by storm with his explosive batting show after being promoted to the crucial number 3 position.

Tilak Varma's record-breaking knock powers India to a narrow victory over South Africa in the third T20I

Tilak Varma wasted no time in showcasing his fierce intent to South Africa, as he kickstarted firecrackers with a boundary and a towering six within his first three balls, setting the stage for a stunning display of his skill, power, and finesse at the SuperSport Park Cricket Stadium.

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He reached his half-century only in 32 deliveries, but it was just the start of his explosion. Tilak cranked up his blistering innings even further, hammering his next 50 runs in just 19 balls to notch up his maiden T20I hundred in Centurion. Tilak remained unbeaten on 107 off 56 balls, wrapping up his dazzling innings with eight fours and seven sixes into the stands.

His innings was a blend of strategic precision and raw aggression, leaving fans in awe and South African bowlers tattering. The Centurion pitch is known for its tricky two-paced nature, and it has initially tested Tilak's resolve, but his adaptability shone brightly as he quickly found his rhythm and switched gears to play an entertaining yet match-winning knock.

Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma shine with the bat under pressure

Apart from the 22-year-old batter, Abhishek Sharma was also fabulous with the bat, making a stunning comeback with an aggressive fifty off just 25 balls, studded with three fours and five sixes, in the third T20I against South Africa.

Abhishek Sharma and Tilak's 107-run partnership guided India to 219/6 on the board, and later Arshdeep Singh’s three-wicket haul sealed an 11-run win for the tourists, as they took a 2-1 lead in the T20I series against South Africa.

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During the innings break, Tilak Varma revealed that he and Abhishek both were under pressure, so they were just following the basics. Tilak also expressed his joy at hammering his maiden T20I century, saying he is feeling just incredible as he was waiting for this moment for a long time.

I was waiting for this moment for a long time: Tilak Varma on T20I ton

Tilak Varma said on Sports18: “Really very happy. I was waiting for this moment for a long time. Coming after injury and scoring a hundred, it is incredible. It was challenging at the start—the wicket was two-paced and was not easy for the new batters. After that, it went well. I tried to hold my shape and was trying to focus on the basics. We (Abhishek and I) both were under pressure, and this knock was important for both of us. We talked about following the basics.”

After winning Player of the Match award, Tilak stated, “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. I just backed my basics.”