Varma, unstoppable and taking on the top bowlers

His targeting England fast bowler Jofra Archer was key to India's win in Saturday's second T20I in Chennai

- Sanjjeev K Samyal

MUMBAI: Such has been the supply line of batting talent in T20s, there's constant demand to produce something out of the ordinary to retain one's India spot. After all, one has to contend with the explosive Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh and Riyan Parag.

After his brilliant debut against West Indies in 2023, Tilak Varma played most of the series in the lead up to the 2024 T20 World Cup. Without being extraordinary, he was consistent.

When a new look team was picked after India's World Cup win, the Surya-led side started to bat at a higher tempo in South Africa. Samson came into his own and Abhishek Sharma batted only on top gear.

Varma realised that he needed to step up to meet the demands or be drowned amid such brilliance. And boy, how has he responded to the challenge?

The 22-year-old left-hander was last dismissed on November 10 in Gqeberha, in the second T20I in South Africa. Since then, he has scored 107*, 120* and 19* in three T20I innings. In the second T20I against England on Saturday, he delivered another masterclass, 72* off 55 deliveries in Chennai.