'Chennai Bole Toh Mahi Bhai'- Tilak Varma's Tribute To Dhoni As India Arrive For 2nd T20I
Team India lands in Chennai for 2nd T20I vs England [Source: @BCCI/X.com]
Team India departed to Chennai for the 2nd T20I against England. Tilak Varma, the stylish middle-order batter, took the opportunity to pay tribute to CSK Thala, MS Dhoni as he said that the city is synonymous with the former captain.
India kicked off the five-game T20I series against England with a stellar 7-wicket victory in Kolkata. A notable bowling effort from Varun Chakravarthy and Arshdeep Singh dismantled England to a 132-run total in the first inning.
In the chase, Abhishek Sharma regained his natural form to slam 79 off 34 balls, including 8 thumping sixes. With a 1-0 lead in the series, team India departed Kolkata to fly to Chennai for the 2nd T20I.
Team India arrives in Chennai for 2nd T20I vs England
The team looked in happy spirits as head coach Gautam Gambhir led the charge. Tilak Varma spoke to the cameraman and stated that Chennai only reminds him of MS Dhoni and superstar actor Rajinikanth. He also asked local boys, Washington Sundar and Varun Chakravarthy to send him home cooked food.
The team arrived at the hotel and received a warm welcome from the staff and fans. The second T20I kicks off on January 25 starting from 7.00 PM IST. India is unlikely to make any changes to their playing XI as Suryakumar Yadav would like to keep the winning combination intact.
On the other hand, England has a lot to contemplate. They must regroup and plan a potent strategy to tackle the men in blue.
Will Mohammad Shami play in the second T20I?
India left out Mohammad Shami out of the first T20I despite the fast bowler being declared fit for the series. Shami has been out of the team for over a year with multiple injuries to his ankle and knee.
However, his absence from the first game raised many eyebrows, especially with the Champions Trophy in sight. For the second T20I, Shami is likely to find a place if his knee is fight enough to handle the pressure of bowling four overs. However, clarity is yet to be given by the board and team alike.