India’s Tilak Varma celebrates after hitting four runs to win the game. (Reuters)
Tilak Varma has already scored two centuries while batting at No. 3. The 22-year-old dominated South Africa’s bowling attack in November last year, scoring 107 not out off 56 balls at Centurion and following it up with a blistering 47-ball 120 in Johannesburg.
It was on the South Africa tour that Tilak requested to bat at No. 3 for the Indian T20I team. He repaid the captain’s faith with consecutive centuries.
On Saturday, he walked out to bat at No. 4, made an unbeaten 72 off 55 balls, and guided India to victory from a challenging position.
The southpaw admitted that he enjoys batting at No. 3 but is ready to bat anywhere for the team’s success.
“I am ready to bat anywhere. I am flexible,” he told reporters.
“I have played at different positions in the IPL and also in the Indian team. Before the South Africa series, I had never batted at No. 3.
India’s Tilak Varma plays a shot during the second T20 cricket match between India and England at M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. (AP)
“I think I have batted at No. 3 in 2-3 innings. But in other innings, I have batted at 5, 6, or 4. So, I know how to adapt to batting at 4, 5, or 6 as well.
“But I prefer batting at No. 3. However, I am truly flexible. I can bat anywhere. I am ready for whatever the team needs.”
Tilak said he was mentally prepared to see the innings through and was ready to adjust his approach according to the team’s requirements.
“I told myself that whatever happens, I will be there till the end, and I wanted to finish the game. I had a chat with Gautam (Gambhir) sir during the last match. I can play with a strike rate of 6 or 7 or above 10, depending on the team’s needs. You should be adaptable.
India’s Tilak Varma celebrates after hitting the winnings runs during the second T20 cricket match between India and England at M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, India, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.)
“Gautam sir also mentioned during the drinks break (here). It’s an opportunity to show people that you can play both types of innings. I’m happy that it paid off,” he said.
The youngster also explained his game plan and shot selection.
“The wicket was two-paced and quite challenging. With the pace at which the England bowlers were bowling, it would be tough to hit square of the wicket.
“So, I just wanted to utilize the pace and hit as much as I could behind (in the V behind the wicketkeeper). That’s what I did, and it was successful.”
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