Jos Buttler Credits Tilak Varma for India’s Victory Over England in Chennai

Chennai, January 2025: In a thrilling second T20 International, India clinched a memorable victory over England, chasing down a target of 166 runs in 19.2 overs. While England’s captain Jos Buttler expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, he attributed the loss to one Indian player who stole the show: Tilak Varma.

Tilak Varma: The Game-Changer

At the post-match presentation, Buttler candidly praised Tilak Varma’s incredible knock, which turned the game in India’s favor. He said, “It was a fantastic match. Full credit to Tilak Varma for leading India to victory. We created several chances and played aggressively, but Tilak’s brilliance was the difference.”

The young Indian batsman’s composed innings of 72 not out on a tricky Chennai pitch proved decisive, as he anchored the chase and ensured India secured a 2-0 lead in the five-match T20 series.

England’s Competitive Performance

Despite the loss, Buttler expressed satisfaction with England’s approach:

• “The way we batted was impressive. We lost a few wickets, but our aggressive intent kept us competitive. We nearly defended the total, which shows our determination,” he remarked.
• England’s innings saw notable contributions, including Jamie Smith on debut and Brydon Carse, whose impactful performances kept England in the game.

England’s total of 165 runs was bolstered by some aggressive batting in the middle and death overs. However, Tilak Varma’s calculated aggression and composure under pressure ensured India chased the target with four balls to spare.

Challenges Against India’s Spin Attack

Buttler acknowledged the challenge posed by India’s spin-heavy attack. “They played with three spinners who took crucial wickets. It’s something we need to counter better. If they take wickets, we need to score runs against them,” Buttler said.

Despite this, the England captain remained optimistic about his team’s approach: “There are a lot of positives to take from this match. Our aggressive style of play is something we’re committed to, and we’re happy with the way we’re progressing.”

Looking Ahead

While England trails 2-0 in the series, Buttler remains confident in his team’s ability to bounce back. “There’s always room for improvement. We’re focused on refining our strategies and continuing to play an aggressive brand of cricket,” he concluded.