Abhishek Sharma in hospital – Latest on his recovery and Indian networks
On Wednesday, Tilak spoke about how important the Namibia game here was to implement the lessons learned from the lapses against the US. He highlighted how the Indian team has revived the anchor role with him at the center in this tournament, presumably after surviving the proverbial banana peel encounter in Mumbai last week.“The middle overs are very important and you need consistent batting there. I think I should go deep into the game. If we are chasing, I like to finish the game. We are not short of power hitters, anyone can hit up to number 8. So it is important that someone anchors in the middle,” Tilak said on Wednesday. “One or two batsmen have to play that role. I take that pressure and the others can attack.” Tilak is willing to do the dirty work, playing second fiddle rather than chasing the glamor of being an assassin. It does not discount the variables in the game of cricket, above the pitch and match conditions. Contrary to talk of the team management seeking flexibility and only the openers settling the batting positions, the team focused on him and Suryakumar to provide stability. “Like I said, we have enough power-hitting. But we feel that over 6-16 wins matches in T20s because teams still hit the top and at the death. Having a stable No.3 and No.4 is very important,” he said. As he showed in a tricky chase in the high-pressure Asia Cup final against Pakistan in Dubai in September, Tilak is a man on a mission. His playing is flamboyant but not flashy. Recovering from abdominal surgery just in time for his first FIFA World Cup may have only encouraged him.6 – India have successfully defended the target in their last six World T20 encounters between 20 June 2024 and 7 February 2026 – one each against Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Australia, England, South Africa and USA. The first five examples are coming in the T20 2024 World Cup.
9 – India holds the record for registering the most consecutive wins in the T20 World Cup between 5 June 2024 and 7 February 2026.
—Stats: Rajesh Kumar