Young batter Tilak Varma has opened up about skipper Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir’s batting strategies ahead of the third T20I against South Africa. Varma stated that the players are united in putting the team’s needs ahead of personal preferences, adding that he is ready to bat anywhere.
The Men in Blue have been under criticism for constantly changing the batting order in T20Is. Axar Patel was unexpectedly promoted to No. 3 during the second T20I against South Africa in New Chandigarh. However, the move backfired as he managed to score only 21 off 21 balls while chasing a target of 214.
Everyone Is Flexible Except the Openers – Tilak Varma
However, Tilak Varma defended India’s decision to shuffle the batting order. Varma stated that he is ready to bat anywhere from No. 3 to No. 6 if required.
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“Absolutely, everyone is flexible except the openers. I’m ready to bat at No. 3, 4, 5, or 6, wherever the team wants me. Everyone knows the batting order is flexible,” Varma said (via India Today).
Varma came to the crease at No. 5 and scored 62 from just 34 deliveries, including five sixes and two fours. At No. 3, he has scored 443 runs at a strike rate of 169.73, including two half-centuries and two centuries.
However, he struggled while batting at No. 4, where he has scored 490 runs at a strike rate of 128.60 with two fifties. At No. 5, he has added 110 runs at a strike rate of 144.73, along with one half-century.
I’ve Said I’m Ready to Bat Anywhere for the Team – Tilak Varma
Tilak Varma cited Axar Patel’s crucial 47 in last year’s T20 World Cup final. Varma said that apart from the openers, every batter is prepared to change roles depending on what the situation demands.
“It depends on the situation. You’ve already seen this with Axar Patel in the World Cup—he went up the order and did well. One-off games happen. At that time, whatever feels best for the team, everyone keeps the team first. No one thinks about individual positions. I’ve said I’m ready to bat anywhere for the team, and all players are thinking the same way,” Tilak Varma added.
I Have Told This to All the Batters – Suryakumar Yadav
Following the T20I opener, Suryakumar Yadav made it clear that India’s middle order won’t follow a fixed pattern in T20Is. He stated that anyone from No. 3 to No. 6 should be ready to move around, as the team wants players who can handle different roles depending on the match situation.
“From 3–6, anywhere. I have told this to all the batters: other than the openers, everyone has to be flexible. Both are in the scheme of things. It’s always good to have both of them as part of the squad. One can open, one can bat lower down the order. Both can do all the roles. It’s an asset to our team and a good headache to have.”
India and South Africa will enter the third T20I with the series level at 1-1. Suryakumar Yadav’s side secured a 101-run win in the opener. The third T20I will take place on Sunday, December 14, in Dharamsala, where India suffered their only T20I loss against South Africa back in 2015.
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