Auckland, October 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India T20I vice-captain Tilak Varma has reflected on his performances against Pakistan, pointing out that he has delivered under pressure against the arch-rivals on multiple occasions.
Speaking ahead of India’s fourth T20I against New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland, Tilak was asked how much confidence he gained from his match-winning knock of 51 not out off 22 balls against Pakistan in the Asian Games final earlier this month.
The Indian vice-captain responded cheekily, noting that he had performed well against Pakistan in the past as well. He was referring to his unbeaten 69 in the Asia Cup 2025 final, which helped India secure a memorable victory while chasing a target of 147 runs.
“(Performance against) Pakistan was good before too. Whenever I go to bat at No. 5 to 7 in the lower order. So, I don’t get much batting. And even if I get it, I get it under a lot of pressure. So, till now, whenever I get a chance, I try to win the game.
“I try to finish the game. So, after the Pakistan game, I have the same confidence. There is no change. It’s not like I was not scoring for 10 matches and then I scored against Pakistan straightaway.
“It didn’t happen like that. As it is said, I keep scoring. I remain focused on scoring runs for the team. I always want to help the team win. It’s simple. And there is such a good atmosphere in the team. There is such good backing. So, in my mind, it remains: how can I win every match for the team?” he added.
Tilak also boasts an impressive record of not losing a match when he remains unbeaten during a T20 chase. Speaking about the statistic, the left-hander said that pressure and nerves are inevitable in cricket, but he has learned how to manage them.
“I can’t say stress. There is always pressure and nerves. Till the last day of your cricket career, pressure will always be on you. So, it is the same feeling.
“But it has become a habit to manage it. Every individual has a different way. Some people breathe. Some talk a little more in between to settle those nerves. So, every individual is different. I also have my own way,” he added.
In the second T20I against New Zealand, Tilak smashed an unbeaten 51 off 26 balls to guide India to an impressive four-wicket victory. India successfully chased down New Zealand’s total of 181 in Christchurch with one ball remaining.
Tilak also explained his positive approach during the closing overs, saying he believes the bowler faces greater pressure in such situations.
“In the end overs, as a batter, the bowler is under far more pressure than I am. That positive thought is constantly running in my head, that the bowler is under more pressure, so they are bound to leak runs,” he added.
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