'Everyone is flexible': Tilak Varma on India's batting order experiments
What's the story
Indian cricketer Tilak Varma has defended the team's ongoing experimentation with its batting order, despite mixed results. Speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of the third T20I against South Africa, he emphasized that adaptability is key in T20 cricket. "Everyone is flexible except the openers," Varma said, referring to Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma. Here are the details.
Player flexibility
Varma's readiness to adapt
Varma also stressed his willingness to bat at any position from three to six, depending on the team's needs. "If the team feels a particular move is tactically best, everyone goes with the team," he said. This shows how Indian players are ready for changes in their batting order as they prepare for next year's T20 World Cup.
Strategic decisions
Varma's insights on game situations
Drawing from recent examples, Varma said that these decisions are based on game situations and not player roles. He cited Axar Patel's successful batting in a similar situation as an example. "One-off games keep happening. Axar Patel has already done the same thing and he did well there," he said, stressing that it's all about adapting to the situation at hand.
Pitch conditions
Varma's thoughts on Dharamsala pitch
Addressing the pitch conditions in Dharamsala, Varma said it could still be a batter-friendly surface despite the cold weather. "I have played an Under-19 India series here before. We are watching the wicket and I feel it will be a high-scoring one," he said. However, he also warned that low temperatures could assist bowlers early on in the game.
Weather challenges
Varma on dew and cold conditions
With dew expected to play a role in the match starting at 7pm Varma said Team India is ready for the challenge. "We don't have the toss in our hands. We are preparing for the dew and have practiced with a slightly wet ball," he said. Addressing concerns about playing in unfamiliar cold conditions, he stressed that mental strength is key to overcoming such challenges.
Varma
Varma's valiant effort in New Chandigarh went in vain
In the 2nd T20I of the India vs South Africa 2025 series, Varma batting at number 5, scored a solid 62-run knock at Mullanpur, New Chandigarh. Despite his blazing effort, India suffered a 51-run defeat after the Proteas managed 213/4 in 20 overs. Notably, Varma registered his 3rd fifty-plus score against SA in T20Is. Against South Africa, he owns 397 runs from 8 matches at a solid average of 66.16 (100s: 2, 50s: 1), as per ESPNcricinfo.