Tilak backs India to regain momentum for the Zimbabwe series

Reflecting on the lessons from India's last two T20I series defeats against Ireland and England, Tilak said the squad's focus is firmly on executing its plans and rediscovering winning momentum.

The reigning T20 World Cup champions have been winless in their last seven games in the shortest format, losing both games to Ireland, before England cleanswept them 4-0 in the five-match T20I series.

"Honestly, it has been a big learning since the last series. And we are just looking forward and we just want to follow our basics and do well in the coming series.

"In this series, we will execute well and seal our best cricket. We want to get that momentum back again."

As reinforcements, India have also called up three fresh faces to the T20I side in the form of pacers Yash Thakur and Ashok Sharma, as well as explosive opener Prabhsimran Singh.

The left-hander also addressed discussions around his strike rate, reiterating that his approach is dictated by what the team requires in different situations rather than individual numbers.

"In this game, you have to bat in different places, and especially in such conditions, it's not easy. At the same time, I always say that I do whatever is required for the team.

"If I have to stop and play for the team, then I stop and play. If I have to hit, then I hit and play."

Tilak rediscovered his touch with the bat just ahead of coming into this series, smashing an attacking 25-ball 53 in the final T20I against England.

India head into the series with recent experience of touring Zimbabwe, but Tilak warned against underestimating the hosts, pointing to their victory in the opening match of the previous bilateral contest between the two sides.

Right after the T20 World Cup in 2024, India toured Zimbabwe for a five-match T20I series, where Zimbabwe stunned India in the series opener by defending 115. India returned strongly with four out of four wins in the remaining games.

"Zimbabwe is a very good team. They are a very competitive team. And you see last time when we started the series, they won the first game.

While acknowledging that the batting group remains largely unchanged from India's recent tours, the vice-captain expects subtle differences in the playing surface to test the visitors' adaptability.

"As a batting group, we're playing the same team as the last two series. 

“The conditions aren't that different, but there will be a slight change in the wicket. So we have to adapt quickly, and play our best cricket."

India and Zimbabwe begin their tussle on Thursday, 23rd July in Harare.