Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has heaped massive praise on Tilak Varma and compared him with legendary cricketer MS Dhoni. Manjrekar commented after Tilak scored a match-winning 72 runs off 55 balls against England in the second T20I in Chennai. Manjrekar highlighted that Tilak was calm like Dhoni despite the team losing regular wickets from one end. He hit 5 sixes and 4 fours to lead India to a two-wicket win.

“He was confident of leading India to success. He stayed till the end and didn’t panic. Tilak was brilliant with the bat and knew that he would take the team through like MS Dhoni. He is confident like Dhoni. Tilak can finish games for India despite batting at no.3,” Manjrekar said on ESPNcricinfo.

Since making his debut in August 2023, Tilak has been one of the consistent performers for India. He scored two consecutive hundreds against South Africa. Tilak reflected on his batting in Chennai.

“Gautam sir told me to go for the runs as I have the capability to score 10 runs in one over for a win. He urged me to stay till the end and let the other batters play shots. He knows that if I manges to bat till the last over, we have a chance to register a victory,” Tilak said.