Wellington: Former India cricketer Suresh Raina has lavished praise on young batter Tilak Varma, comparing his middle-order qualities with those of legendary Indian cricketers MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh following India’s thrilling T20I victory over New Zealand.
Raina highlighted Varma’s ability to handle pressure, contribute at a crucial stage and play with a positive mindset. His remarks came after Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy combined for an unbeaten 69-run partnership off just 30 deliveries to help India chase down a target of 181 in the second T20 International in Christchurch on October 24.
The victory gave India a 2-0 lead in the five-match series ahead of the third T20I in Wellington on October 27. Raina also praised Reddy’s aggressive approach, welcomed Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return and expressed admiration for Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy.
Raina sees Dhoni and Yuvraj’s qualities in Tilak Varma
Speaking to the news agency ANI, Raina drew a comparison between Varma and the experienced middle-order players he played alongside for India.
Raina recalled how he, Yuvraj and Dhoni contributed in the middle and lower-middle order, taking responsibility during demanding situations. He believes Varma possesses a similar quality and a different mindset that allows him to make an impact when the team needs him.
Raina said Varma has been performing exceptionally well and also contributing with the ball, making him a valuable option for the Indian team.
The comparison is significant because Dhoni and Yuvraj played important roles in India’s success in major international tournaments. Both were known for their ability to manage pressure and deliver when the team needed runs in the middle overs or during a difficult chase.
Varma is still developing his international career, but his recent performances have strengthened his position as an important member of India’s T20 batting line-up.
Varma and Reddy turn the match around
India’s second T20I against New Zealand appeared set for a tense finish as the visitors needed 68 runs from the final five overs to reach the target of 181.
Varma and Reddy responded with an attacking partnership, scoring an unbeaten 69 runs from 30 balls to guide India to victory with one delivery remaining. Their effort ensured that India won by four wickets and moved closer to clinching the series.
The 68 runs India scored in the final five overs marked the team’s highest successful chase during that phase of a T20 International, surpassing its previous best of 60 runs against Pakistan at the 2022 T20 World Cup in Melbourne.
The partnership demonstrated the value of having batters who can accelerate the scoring rate without losing control of the chase. Varma and Reddy combined calculated stroke play with aggressive hitting to keep India in contention until the final over.
Their performance also highlighted India’s depth in the middle order, with the team able to recover from pressure and complete a challenging chase.
Raina praises Nitish Kumar Reddy’s positive approach
Raina also singled out Reddy for his approach with the bat. The young all-rounder has attracted attention for his willingness to attack and take responsibility in important situations.
His partnership with Varma against New Zealand showed how two young players can complement each other during a demanding chase. While Varma provided composure and experience in the middle order, Reddy contributed to the late acceleration that brought India close to the target.
Raina welcomed the positive mindset displayed by Reddy and indicated that such an approach was encouraging for Indian cricket.
The all-rounder’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball offers the team additional flexibility when selecting its playing XI. His development could prove important as India continues to build its options for the T20 format.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s comeback draws praise
Raina also welcomed Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to action. The experienced fast bowler brings considerable international and T20 experience, particularly in controlling the new ball and delivering under pressure.
His comeback gives India another experienced pace option as the team prepares for the remaining matches against New Zealand.
For a side looking to maintain its winning momentum, the presence of experienced players alongside emerging talents can help provide balance. India’s recent results have also underlined the importance of contributions from different members of the squad rather than relying on one or two batters.
Raina impressed by Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy
Beyond individual performances, Raina praised Shreyas Iyer’s leadership, saying he had seen a captain with a similar approach in the T20 format after many years.
Iyer has established himself as a successful captain in the Indian Premier League. He led Kolkata Knight Riders to the title in 2024 and subsequently guided Punjab Kings to the final in 2025. He has also led multiple franchises to the IPL final.
Raina said Iyer was building a distinct legacy and offered his best wishes as the captain continued his journey.
The praise reflects the importance of leadership in T20 cricket, where decisions about bowling changes, field placements and batting order can have an immediate impact on a match. A captain must also manage pressure while giving younger players the confidence to perform.
India look to continue winning run
India enter the third T20I against New Zealand with a 2-0 advantage after winning both opening matches by four wickets. Another victory would give them an unassailable lead in the five-match series.
The team will look to build on Varma and Reddy’s match-winning partnership while maintaining the balance between experienced players and emerging talent.
Raina’s comments underline the growing importance of Varma in India’s middle order. By comparing his qualities with those of Dhoni and Yuvraj, the former India batter has highlighted the value of players who can absorb pressure, accelerate when required and contribute in more than one department.
Varma’s continued performances, alongside Reddy’s development and the team’s experienced leadership, will be closely watched as India pursue another victory in Wellington.