India vice-captain Tilak Varma has broken his silence on the unusual run-out that sparked widespread debate during the third T20I against the West Indies.
Indian cricketer Tilak Varma was subject to a bizarre run-out dismissal during the third T20 international match against the West Indies. The moment went viral on social media, with the batter being criticised for his casual approach.
The moment happened in the 17th over when Axar Patel hit the ball towards deep mid-wicket, and it raced towards the boundary. Fielder Kamil Pooran stopped the ball with a spectacular diving effort, but Axar and Tilak didn’t realise it wasn’t a boundary and walked back casually.
Axar reached the mark on time, but Tilak lost his wicket after Gudakesh Motie dislodged the bails before he entered the crease.
Ahead of the 4th India vs West Indies T20I, Tilak spoke out on what had happened in the middle.
Tilak: I thought it had gone for four
At the pre-match press conference, Tilak revealed that he and Axar believed the ball had gone for a boundary, which is why they started walking away. He also didn’t get a clear look at the ball as it was tossed in Axar’s end and eventually realised they were wrong after the decision was made.
More from Firstcricket“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.
Hyderabad T20 to be special for Tilak
The upcoming T20 international match between India and the West Indies will be special for Tilak, as he will play at his home ground in Hyderabad. He will compete for the Men in Blue as the team’s vice-captain, making it extra special.
“It is really a proud moment for me to play in front of the Hyderabad crowd as vice-captain of the Indian team. It will be a special moment for me,” the India vice-captain added.
The India-West Indies 4th T20I will take place on Wednesday, September 14, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.