Tilak Varma on Pakistan Form and Handling Big-Game Pressure

Auckland, October 29: Tilak Varma, the vice-captain of India’s men’s T20 team, has discussed his performances against Pakistan and said he has a history of playing well against them in key moments.

The left-handed batter was questioned about the confidence he gained from his 22-ball unbeaten 51 against Pakistan in the Asian Games final earlier this month. Varma said the feeling of self-belief is not new and that he was always looking to finish matches when given the chance.

“I have played well against Pakistan in the past as well. When I come in at number 5 to 7 in the lower order, I don’t get many chances to bat. Even if I do, it is under great pressure. Whenever I get the opportunity, I try to win the game and finish it. After the Pakistan match, my confidence is the same. Nothing has changed. It is not that I wasn’t scoring for 10 matches and then suddenly made runs against Pakistan.”

Varma said his mindset revolves around helping the team win every game. “I keep scoring runs. I focus on making runs for the team. I always want to help the team win. It is that simple. The atmosphere in the team is great and the support is excellent. So that thought is always in my head. How can I win every match for the team?”

He also spoke about the emotional side of pressure, saying it does not disappear with experience. “Pressure stays until the last day of your career. I have got used to managing it. Everyone has a different approach. Some people breathe, and some talk a little more to calm their nerves. Every person is different, and I have my own method.”

Varma’s recent big performances include an unbeaten 69 in the Asia Cup 2025 final, which helped India chase down 147 and become champions. In the second T20I against New Zealand, he scored a match-changing unbeaten 51 off 26 balls, guiding India to a four-wicket win with one ball remaining in Christchurch while chasing 181.