Tilak Varma reiterated the concept of a fluid batting order, stating that the emphasis remains on adhering to the basics and reacting to match conditions. India will face South Africa in the series’ third T20I on December 14 in Dharamshala.
After India’s loss to South Africa in the second T20I, much emphasis has been focused on India’s batting-order changes, specifically the decision to elevate Axar Patel to No.3. The all-rounder scored a run-a-ball 21, prompting speculation that a more experienced hitter could have capitalised on the occasion.
Addressing questions about India’s batting strategy ahead of the third T20I, middle-order batsman Tilak Varma, who blasted a courageous 62 in the defeat,
underlined the need of situational awareness and distinct roles within the team.
“Everyone is flexible, except the openers. I’m up for batting at 3, 4, 5, or 6, wherever I get a chance. Everyone knows that everyone is flexible in [the batting] order,” said Varma as quoted by ICC.
The 23-year-old has primarily batted at No. 3 or No. 4 for India, where he has had significant success. Both of his T20I centuries came from the No. 3 position, against South Africa in November last year. He was also in good form during the Asia Cup 2025, where he batted primarily at No. 4 but slid down the order as necessary. Varma finished the tournament with 213 runs, including a key unbeaten 69 in the final when under duress during India’s pursuit against Pakistan.
Speaking specifically on Axar, Varma cited other instances in which the decision to promote the all-rounder paid off. He cited the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final as a prime example, in which Axar batted at No. 5 and scored a crucial 47 off 31 balls to boost India’s scoring rate in a high-pressure situation.
“As you can see, Axar Patel has already done the same thing in the (T20) World Cup. And he has done well in that position as well. Like I said, everyone is flexible. And the decision that the team feels it’s going to be beneficial that day, we take that call,” said Varma.
“We’ve been practicing since childhood. So there’s not much effect in practice. Because we follow the basics. Like I said, it makes a big difference in the mindset. If you’re mentally strong, you’ll be successful everywhere. So in my mind, I just want to be mentally strong. And wherever I go, I just think about what I can do for the team,” he added.
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