Tilak Varma reveals Gautam Gambhir's message that inspired him during thrilling chase

Tilak Varma 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 inspiring his match-winning performance in Christchurch on Saturday. Tilak produced an unbeaten 51 off just 26 deliveries to guide 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 stitched together an unbroken 69-run stand off just 30 deliveries to seal the win with one ball to spare.

Named Player of the Match for his decisive knock, Tilak revealed that Gambhir and Kotak had backed him to take responsibility and finish the game if he remained at the crease. “Just before today’s game, I was talking with coach Gautam sir and Sitanshu Kotak sir. I was talking with 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, then you will win the game for us’,” Tilak said during the post-match presentation. The left-hander added that the message stayed with him when he walked out to bat amid India's collapse. Rather than chasing the target recklessly, he focused on taking the game deep and giving himself the best chance to finish the job. “So that’s what was going through my mind. I wanted to take the game as deep as possible, and at the end of the day, again, what everyone has believed and has done. So I’m really proud of myself,” he added.

Tilak also explained how he approached the partnership with Naman, stressing the importance of staying at the crease and keeping the scoreboard moving on a surface that played slower than it had in the opening match. “I was telling Naman that we’ll stay till the end, and especially the wicket was slightly slower today, compared to the last game. So, I was telling Naman that we’ll push hard in running between the wickets when spinners were bowling,” he said. The approach reflected Tilak's patience during a challenging phase of the chase. Instead of allowing the rising required rate to force risky shots, he focused on building partnerships and preserving India's chances until the final overs.

With India needing close to 70 runs in the final five overs and only four wickets remaining, the contest appeared to be New Zealand's side. Tilak and Nitish, however, produced a stunning counterattack, adding an unbeaten 69 runs off 30 balls to complete the chase. Tilak's 51 not out included six fours and a six, while Nitish finished unbeaten on 26. The pair took India to 181/6 in 19.5 overs, securing a four-wicket victory and extending their lead to 2-0 in the five-match series.