'Tilak Varma's contribution was necessary': Aakash Chopra heaps praise on under fire MI star after match-winning knock vs Zimbabwe

'Tilak Varma's contribution was necessary': Aakash Chopra heaps praise on under fire MI star after match-winning knock vs Zimbabwe originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Aakash Chopra praises Tilak Varma's 60* vs Zimbabwe amid criticism.
• India post 219, bowl out hosts for 129, to seal the series 2-0.
• Chopra says Tilak deserves patience, plays tough middle-order role.

Aakash Chopra backs under-fire Tilak Varma after crucial cameo

Former India opener Aakash Chopra has come out in defence of Tilak Varma, praising the young batter's aggressive innings against Zimbabwe and pointing out that he has faced considerable trolling and repeated scrutiny over his spot in the national side.

Tilak smashed an unbeaten 60 off just 29 deliveries, a knock that helped India post a formidable target of 220 for Zimbabwe to chase.

India's bowlers then took over, dismissing the hosts for 129 to complete a comfortable 90-run victory, sealing the three-match series 2-0 with a game still remaining at the same venue the following day.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra broke down why he felt Tilak's contribution deserved genuine recognition rather than dismissal simply because the opposition was Zimbabwe.

"If the team had to reach 219, Tilak Varma's contribution was necessary. You would turn back and say it's Zimbabwe. A guy can only score runs against whichever team is there in front of him. Batting down the order is not easy. He tries to accelerate. He is doing his bit, and a little patience is required," Chopra said.

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India should hand Tilak Varma an extended rope

Aakash cautioned against the tendency to call for a player's axing after every underwhelming series, suggesting that Tilak's knock served as a timely reminder that the team management and fans alike need to extend a bit more trust and patience toward him.

"It won't work out if we ask for a player to be dropped after every series," he said.

"From that point of view, this Tilak Varma knock was a slight reminder of sorts that a little more confidence should be shown in him. He has been trolled a lot as to why he has been kept in the team. He is doing his job, and he is doing a difficult job."

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Why patience with Tilak Varma makes sense

Aakash's argument holds real merit, particularly around how quickly fans and pundits jump to demand changes after just a handful of underwhelming outings.

T20 cricket has a way of shoving players into slots that don't really fit how they naturally bat, and Tilak still finding a way to contribute despite that mismatch deserves credit, not the constant sniping he's been getting.

That doesn't mean the doubters are talking nonsense either. Beating up Zimbabwe's bowling attack is one thing; doing the same against stronger, more disciplined opposition is a different challenge altogether, and that's really where Tilak's case gets tested properly.

Even so, writing a young player off based on his reputation rather than looking at the actual job he's been handed rarely gives you the full picture. Chopra's push for a bit more patience doesn't seem unreasonable given everything at play here.

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