Tilak Varma reveals Gautam Gambhir’s message that inspired him during thrilling chase against New Zealand: ‘All India believes in you’

India coach Gautam Gambhir, right, Tilak Varma (PTI Photo) Tilak Varma has revealed the special message he received from India head coach Gautam Gambhir and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak ahead of the second T20I against New Zealand, which proved instrumental in his match-winning performance in Christchurch on Saturday.Tilak produced an unbeaten 51 off just 26 deliveries to lead India to a remarkable four-wicket victory after the visitors found themselves in deep trouble during the 181-run chase. Nitish Kumar Reddy provided the perfect support with an unbeaten 26 off 13 balls as the duo combined for an unbroken run of 69 runs off just 30 deliveries to seal victory with one ball to spare.

“All India Believes in You”

Tilak was named man of the match for his decisive knock and revealed that Gambhir and Kotak backed him to take responsibility and finish the game if he stayed at the crease.“I spoke to coach Gautam and Sitanshu Kotak just before today’s match. I spoke to both of them and they said one thing, ‘We all believe and the whole of India believes in you. If you stay till the end, you will win the match for us’,” Tilak said during the post-match presentation.The left-hander added that the message stuck with him as he walked out to bat amid India’s collapse. Instead of recklessly chasing the goal, he focused on soaking up the game and giving himself the best chance to get the job done.“So that’s what was going through my mind. I wanted to take the game as deep as I could and at the end of the day again what everybody believed and what they did. So I’m really proud of myself,” he added.

“We will stay till the end”: Tilak’s message to Naman Dhir

Tilak also explained how he approached the partnership with Naman, stressing the importance of staying in the crease and keeping the scoreboard moving on a surface that played slower than in the opening match.“I was telling Naman that we will stay till the end and especially the wicket was a bit slower today than last game. So I was telling Naman that we will push hard in the runs between the wickets when the spinners were bowling,” he said.This approach reflected Tilak’s patience during the trying phase of the persecution. Instead of allowing the rising required rate to force risky shots, he focused on building partnerships and keeping India’s chances alive until the final.

The Tilak-Nitish partnership will seal an unforgettable comeback

With India needing almost 70 runs in the last five overs and only four wickets remaining, the match seemed to be on New Zealand’s side. However, Tilak and Nitish produced an amazing counter-attack and added an unbeaten 69 runs off 30 balls to complete the chase.Tilak’s unbeaten 51 included six fours and a six, while Nitish finished unbeaten on 26. The pair took India to 181/6 in 19.5 overs to secure a four-wicket victory and extend their lead to 2-0 in the five-match series.