Mumbai, Oct. 26 -- Former India cricketer Suresh Raina praised Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy for their performances in India's thrilling chase in the second T20I against New Zealand, highlighting Varma's middle-order batting prowess.

He drew parallels between Varma's approach and that of former India greats Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni, who batted in the middle order, saying the young batter possesses the "same quality" as the duo.

He also welcomed Reddy's positive approach and lauded Bhuvneshwar Kumar's comeback. Varma and Reddy's unbeaten 69-run partnership off 30 balls helped India script a record chase in the final five overs of a T20I during their second match against New Zealand in Christchurch on Saturday.

India needed 68 runs...