Middle-order batsman Tilak Varma, who scored a heroic 62 in the loss, responded to enquiries about India’s batting strategy before to the third Twenty20 International by highlighting the significance of situational awareness and distinct role definition within the team.
India’s batting-order choices, especially the decision to move Axar Patel to No. 3, have received a lot of attention following the country’s defeat to South Africa in the second Twenty20 International. Debate arose over whether a more seasoned hitter could have taken advantage of the situation more effectively after the all-rounder scored a run-a-ball 21.
“Everyone is adaptable, with the exception of the openers. Wherever I get the opportunity, I’m willing to bat at 3, 4, 5, or 6. Varma was reported by the ICC as saying, “Everyone knows that everyone is flexible in [the batting] order.”
For India, Tilak Varma has mostly batted at No. 3 or No. 4, where he has had great success.
He scored both of his T20I hundreds against South Africa in November of last year when ranked third. During the 2025 Asia Cup, he was also in excellent form, playing mostly at No. 4 but dropping down the lineup when circumstances called for it. Tilak Varma, who played under pressure during India’s chase against Pakistan, finished the tournament with 213 runs, including an important undefeated 69 in the final.
Tilak Varma specifically mentioned Axar, citing previous examples where the choice to promote the all-round player has been successful. As a prime example, he cited the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final, in which Axar played at No. 5 and scored a crucial 47 off 31 balls to boost India’s scoring pace in a high-stress match.
Tilak Varma reaffirmed the notion of a flexible batting order by emphasising that the emphasis is still on adhering to the fundamentals and making adjustments based on match circumstances. On December 14, India will play South Africa in the third Twenty20 International of the series in Dharamshala.
Axar Patel has already done the same thing in the (T20) World Cup, as you can see. Additionally, he has performed admirably in that role. Everyone is adaptable, as I mentioned. And we make the decision that the team believes will be advantageous on that particular day,” Tilak Varma stated.
We had been practicing since we were young. Therefore, in practice, there is little impact. since we adhere to the fundamentals. It has a significant impact on mindset, as I mentioned. If you have a strong mind, you will succeed in everything. I simply want to be psychologically strong, then. And I always consider what I can accomplish for the team wherever I go,” he continued.
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