- ‘Same quality’ – Suresh Raina compares Tilak Varma and Nitish Reddy’s partnership with Dhoni and Yuvraj. The former India batsman praises the victory of young left-hander Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy in the second T20I against New Zealand in Christchurch.
- ‘Same quality’ – Suresh Raina compares Tilak Varma-Nitish Reddy partnership to Dhoni and Yuvraj (Photo Source: BCCI) Suresh Raina drew a comparison between Tilak Varma and the middle-order batting legacy of MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh following India’s thrilling chase in the second T20I against New Zealand at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on October 24, 2026.
- The former India batsman stressed that Varma’s proach and mindset was similar to the quality that Dhoni and Yuvraj had shown during their playing time in the lower middle order.
‘Same quality’ – Suresh Raina compares Tilak Varma and Nitish Reddy’s partnership with Dhoni and Yuvraj. The former India batsman praises the victory of young left-hander Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy in the second T20I against New Zealand in Christchurch.
‘Same quality’ – Suresh Raina compares Tilak Varma-Nitish Reddy partnership to Dhoni and Yuvraj (Photo Source: BCCI) Suresh Raina drew a comparison between Tilak Varma and the middle-order batting legacy of MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh following India’s thrilling chase in the second T20I against New Zealand at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on October 24, 2026. The former India batsman stressed that Varma’s proach and mindset was similar to the quality that Dhoni and Yuvraj had shown during their playing time in the lower middle order. India had a target of 181 runs for the game.
With five overs remaining, the team still needed 68 runs to win. Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy combined to form an unbeaten 69-run partnership in just 30 balls to take India to victory with one ball to spare and secure a 4-wicket win. Varma remained unbeaten with 51 off 26 balls and was named man of the match for his performance.
Reddy scored 26 runs from 13 deliveries and played a crucial role in the successful run chase after India slipped to 71 for 6 wickets. What did Raina say about the quality of Varma? Raina, particularly impressed with Varma’s skills in the middle order, recalls his own years when he played alongside Yuvraj and Dhoni at positions 5, 6, 7 and 8, a time when the trio played with a special kind of fire and passion.
The former cricketer told ANI that the young southpaw possessed the same qualities and mindset that defined his era. “No, India is doing very well at the moment. Take Tilak Varma for example.
When Yuvi Pa (Yuvraj Singh), Dhoni Bhai (MS Dhoni) and I were fighting at No. 1. In 5, 6, 7 and 8 we had some passion and I feel Tilak has the same quality. He is a player with a different mindset and he has done exceonally well.
He also contributes with the ball,” Raina was quoted as saying by The Cricket News. What did Raina think of Reddy and the team’s proach? Raina then praised Reddy, whose fearless batting during the chase stood out from the former batsman.
He noted that Reddy’s proach and positive attitude reflected the kind of cricket India needed in the shortest format, especially in high-pressure situations where quick runs were essential. “Nitish also bats differently and it is good to see that positivity. It was also nice to see Bhuvneshwar making a comeback,” Raina added.
Raina also had kind words for ctain Shreyas Iyer and said that the ctain’s leadership style stood out in the shortest format. He stated that he had not seen anyone use this proach in the T20s for many years and wished Iyer well in building his legacy. “Shreyas Iyer has done well but the way the control is handled, I think after many years in this format I have seen a group with such an proach.
He is building a different legacy and my best wishes go with him,” Raina added. The win gave India a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. The third T20I was scheduled for October 27 in Wellington with India looking to gain momentum in New Zealand.
