Abhimanyu Easwaran reveals Tilak Varma’s secret to thriving under pressure after POTM performance

Tilak Varma’s Calm Under Pressure Earns Abhimanyu Easwaran’s Praise After India’s T20I Win

Tilak Varma strengthened his reputation as a dependable middle-order batter with a composed, match-winning innings against New Zealand in the second T20I at Hagley Oval on Saturday, October 24. In a demanding chase, the left-hander stayed unbeaten on 51, helping India secure victory and level the series.

His performance drew praise from Bengal captain Abhimanyu Easwaran, who has shared a dressing room with Varma and also faced him on the field. Easwaran highlighted not only the young batter’s composure but also the work ethic and determination behind his progress. For players seeking a model for how to handle pressure in the middle order, he said, Varma’s innings offered a valuable example.

Easwaran impressed by India’s second T20I chase

Easwaran watched India’s run chase after completing a practice session as he prepares to lead Bengal in the third round of the Ranji Trophy 2026-27. He caught only the closing overs live, but later watched the highlights and was pleased by India’s comeback and the contributions of Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy.

Varma’s unbeaten half-century stood out to Easwaran because it came in a challenging situation. Rather than allowing the pressure of the chase to dictate his approach, the batter remained measured and focused, helping India move towards the target without losing his composure.

“It was an incredible win for India. The way Tilak batted was really good, and it was impressive to see him remain so calm under pressure,” Easwaran said, as quoted by RevSportz. He also pointed to Varma’s earlier performances in demanding matches, including the Asia Cup final, as evidence that the innings was part of a broader pattern.

“He has done this for India before as well. If you remember the Asia Cup final, he has performed in high-pressure games in the past. Today was another such occasion, and it was really good to watch India win a game like that,” Easwaran added.

Why Tilak Varma is a strong example for middle-order batters

Middle-order players often enter a match when the situation is already shifting—after early wickets, during a steep chase, or when the required run rate begins to climb. In those moments, a batter must balance caution with scoring intent. Easwaran believes Varma’s willingness to accept responsibility makes him especially valuable in that role.

The Bengal captain described Varma as a hard-working cricketer who is continually looking to improve. He said the left-hander does not shy away when a team needs someone to take charge, and that his calmness in the New Zealand chase reflected both his temperament and preparation.

“I think he is a very hard-working guy. He has improved a lot on his game. He is always wanting to put his hand up in tough situations whenever there is pressure,” Easwaran said.

He added that Varma’s innings was a reminder of the qualities young middle-order batters can learn from: patience, self-belief and the ability to make decisions clearly when the stakes are high. “This was a tough chase for India. But again, he put his hand up and took the team through. So, it is great to watch and a great example for everyone batting in the middle order and learning from him.”

Hard work behind Varma’s composure

Composure in a close game can look effortless, but Easwaran suggested that Varma’s calmness is supported by consistent work away from match day. Having spent time with him in the dressing room, Easwaran has seen his commitment to improving different aspects of his cricket.

That preparation includes regular practice in the nets, fitness work in the gym and running sessions. Such routines can help a batter maintain concentration late in an innings, when fatigue and pressure can make shot selection more difficult. Easwaran’s comments underline how Varma’s match-winning contribution reflects both natural character and deliberate effort.

“Yes, he is a tough guy. I mean, if somebody stands under pressure, he is obviously tough,” Easwaran said. “And he is somebody who wants to improve his game. So, you will see him working hard every day in the nets, be it in the gym or doing his running sessions.”

What Varma’s innings could mean for India

For India, a middle-order batter who can steady a chase and still keep the scoreboard moving offers important flexibility. Varma’s latest performance adds to the evidence that he can be trusted in tense situations, rather than relying solely on his ability to score quickly when conditions are comfortable. His unbeaten 51 also gave the team a clear example of how a controlled innings can shape the closing stages of a T20 match.

That does not guarantee the same result in every fixture: each game brings different conditions, bowling plans and pressure points. But Varma’s recent record in demanding contests gives India a promising option as the team assesses its combinations and batting roles. The key prediction for his development is that continued consistency could strengthen his position as a reliable finisher and stabilising presence in the middle order.

Easwaran, meanwhile, hopes the young batter continues to turn his preparation into results for the national side. “I hope he continues to win more games for India,” he said.

With praise from a player who knows his work ethic firsthand, Varma’s New Zealand performance has become more than a match-winning score. It has highlighted the qualities that make a middle-order batter dependable: discipline, resilience and the courage to take responsibility when a team needs it most.