India batter Tilak Varma once again proved his ability to handle pressure with a match-winning performance against New Zealand in the second T20I at Hagley Oval on Saturday, October 24. Tilak Varma’s calm approach during the tough chase helped India win the second T20I over the Kiwis.

Bengal captain Abhimanyu Easwaran was highly impressed by Tilak's performance and praised his hard work, strong character, and continuous improvement. Having shared the dressing room with Tilak and also played against him, Easwaran believes the young Indian batter has set a great example for middle-order batters by delivering when the team needs him most.

Abhimanyu Easwaran hails Tilak Varma's match-winning heroics against New Zealand

Abhimanyu Easwaran revealed that he watched India's run chase after finishing his practice session, as he is preparing to lead Bengal in the third round of the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2026-27. Although he could watch only the final few overs live, he later watched the highlights and was delighted by India's incredible win and Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy’s performance.

The Bengal captain was particularly impressed by the way Tilak handled the pressure during the chase and smashed an unbeaten 51. He also recalled Tilak's performance in the Asia Cup final, pointing out that the left-handed batter has already shown his ability to deliver under pressure.

Abhimanyu Easwaran was quoted as saying by RevSportz, “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. 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 reveals why Tilak Varma is a role model for middle-order batters

Easwaran has credited Tilak Varma’s hard work and desire to keep improving for his success. He explained that the young batter never hesitates to take responsibility when the team is under pressure and deliver in challenging situations.

He also feels the young batters should learn from Tilak’s approach. Amid this, Ravichandran Ashwin raises concerns over Bhuvneshwar Kumar after IND vs NZ 2nd T20I.

The Bengal captain further explained, "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."

"And I think today was another example of how calm he was under pressure. 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.”

Abhimanyu Easwaran reveals Tilak Varma's biggest strength and what makes him special

Easwaran also praised Tilak's strong mentality, describing him as a tough character who is always focused on becoming a better cricketer. Having spent time with him in the dressing room, Easwaran has seen his commitment to improving every part of his game.

The experienced batter said that it was great to watch Tilak play such cricket for the Men in Blue and win the games. He signed off by saying, "Yes, he is a tough guy. I mean, if somebody stands under pressure, he is obviously tough."

"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. I hope he continues to win more games for India."