India, Feb. 24 -- Former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth did not hold back in his criticism of Tilak Varma following his dismissal against South Africa in Sunday's T20 World Cup clash. Under scrutiny heading into the Super 8 fixture due to his modest strike rate, Tilak's stay at the crease ended abruptly when he attempted an ill-judged stroke in just the second over of India's chase of 188. The early wicket only added to the mounting pressure on the batting unit.

The contrast with a few months ago is stark. Tilak had been instrumental in India's Asia Cup success, producing a decisive knock against Pakistan in the final. But since returning from the injury that sidelined him during the T20I series against New Zealand, he has strugg...