Tilak reminds India of Windies' strength before Hyderabad T20I

India T20I vice-captain Tilak Varma has issued a warning about the threat posed by the West Indies, noting that their immense depth in power-hitting makes them a dangerous side in the shortest format as India prepares to face the visitors in the fourth T20I in Hyderabad on Wednesday. 

The five-match series has lived up to its billing as a high-octane contest. India struck first with an 8-wicket victory in Lucknow, before the West Indies bounced back strongly with a 6-wicket win in Ranchi to level terms.

India reclaimed the lead with a hard-fought 14-run triumph in Indore to go 2-1 up in the five-match series, setting the stage for a pivotal encounter in Hyderabad.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Varma highlighted how the Caribbean side's extensive experience playing global franchise leagues has sharpened their T20 expertise.

"The West Indies are a really good side, especially in T20 format," Tilak said.

"They play so much franchise cricket, so they know how to play this format. The power they have is unbelievable."

The left-handed batter emphasised that complacency could prove costly because the opposition possesses deep batting firepower right down the order.

"Everyone can hit the ball. It is not just the openers, number three or four," he stated.

"All their players can strike the ball, and even the 11th batter can come in and hit."

"Until all 10 wickets fall, the game is not over. We cannot relax."

Reflecting on India's bowling display in the second T20I, where West Indies chased 249 in a high-scoring thriller in Ranchi, Tilak admitted the team adopted a passive containment strategy.

"Initially, in the second game, we did not go for wickets," he explained.

"We were slightly defensive when they were scoring runs."

"But after that, as a team, Gautam (Gambhir) Sir also mentioned that we can go for wickets and show that aggression."

Tilak Varma added useful runs with the bat in this series, coming in to bat at No. 6 in Ranchi and No. 5 in Indore. His late surge in the innings has added to India's scores in both the games where he got an opportunity to bat.

However, he reiterated that he prefers playing up the order.

"I love batting at number three, and I have said that many times. I always want that pressure. When the team needs me, I want to step up," Tilak said.

"If quick wickets fall, I can take my time and take the game deep. But if the openers or the top three batters have batted until the 14th or 15th over, I know how to change the gears from the first ball," he added.

Playing in front of the Hyderabad crowd which is hometown will exude special emotions for the batter who will look to put in another solid performance and secure the series for his team. 

"It is really a proud moment for me to play in front of the Hyderabad crowd as vice-captain of the Indian team," Tilak said. 

"It will be a special moment for me," he concluded.

Series schedule

First T20I: October 7, Lucknow, (India won by eight wickets)

Second T20I: October 9, Ranchi (West Indies won by five wickets)

Third T20I: October 11, Indore (India won by 14 runs)

Fourth T20I: October 14, Hyderabad

Fifth T20I: October 17, Bengaluru