Middle-order batter Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 72 was the key difference in India’s victory over England in the second T20I, according to England's pace bowling all-rounder Brydon Carse.
Tilak's half-century guided India to chase down 166 in a tense finish at Chepauk, giving India a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
Carse praised Tilak's "mature, smart" innings in his post-match comments: "We got a decent score on the board and kept taking wickets throughout the game, but credit goes to Tilak. I think he played a very mature, smart innings, and ultimately he was the difference."
Carse, who contributed with both bat and ball—scoring 31 off 17 balls and taking three wickets—defended Jofra Archer despite his tough outing, where he conceded 60 runs in four overs. Archer was hit for four sixes by Tilak.
“A couple of nights ago, Jofra had an amazing spell up front. I still think he bowled pretty well tonight, but he was pretty unfortunate," said Carse. "A lot of runs came over the keeper’s head behind square. Sometimes that happens when you bowl 90 mph."
Carse also discussed England's aggressive approach with both bat and ball, despite it not yielding success in the series so far. "We’re always going to try and take the game on in the power play, whether that’s with bat or ball. But there’s always room to improve."
He found positives in the tight finish: “It’s obviously a defeat, but these close finishes will help us going forward for the season and the Champions Trophy. We haven’t put in a full performance yet, but I’m excited to see where we can get over the next couple of games."
