'Both Axar [Patel] and I felt the same way': Tilak Varma addresses his controversial run-out vs WI after Ex-India stars question his game awareness originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Tilak Varma said he and Axar Patel mistakenly thought the ball had reached the boundary during India's third T20I against West Indies.
- Tilak was run out for 28, drawing criticism from former India cricketers.
- The dismissal raised questions about game awareness and communication.
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What happened during Tilak Varma's controversial run-out?
This situation occurred during the third T20I match between India and West Indies in Indore, when Tilak Varma and Axar Patel thought a shot was worth four runs.
While Axar hit the ball bowled by Gudakesh Motie in the 17th over of India's innings toward deep backward square leg, Kamil Pooran of West Indies dived to prevent the ball from going over the boundary line.
But both Indian batters thought the ball had gone over the boundary line and stopped running. Although Axar returned to his position, Tilak found himself stranded as the West Indies players ran him out.
Tilak Varma was dismissed for 28 runs off 16 balls. His dismissal created controversy among former cricketers regarding his game sense. India went on to win the match by 14 runs to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
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What did Tilak Varma say about his run-out against West Indies?
While addressing the press before the fourth T20I match, Tilak stated that he did not observe the ball stop close to the boundary and honestly thought that the shot was a four.
"Both Axar and I felt the same way. We thought it was a boundary, which is why I was walking. Unfortunately, the ball was thrown to Axar's end, and he was shown the ball.
"I did not see the ball. I thought it had gone for four, so I was walking. But these things happen in cricket," Tilak said.
His explanation shed light on what happened, even though the fact remained that India lost a batter at a very critical point in the innings.
What made it more unique was that Tilak seemed to be very composed in the middle rather than instantly checking the whereabouts of the ball. The West Indies fielders, on the other hand, were attentive enough to grab the chance.
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Game awareness is non-negotiable at international level
Tilak Varma’s reasoning may be justified, considering the fact that Axar Patel was also under the impression that the ball had crossed the boundary. The event, however, revealed a lack of focus which was rightfully brought into question by former India players.
Whether it is T20 cricket or any format of the sport, batters have to stay focused till the ball is dead. A careful check of the ball's location, along with clear communication, would have helped avoid this unnecessary wicket.
Nonetheless, Tilak's ability should not be judged by one blunder, but international cricket is more than just skills and aggression. West Indies took full advantage of this blunder.
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