Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Shoeholed at No. 6 due to the top-order logjam in the Indian cricket team, Tilak Varma says he is only concerned about finishing games. Speaking after the conclusion of the India vs West Indies T20I series, Varma said he does not care about his batting position and is focused on executing his role.
The Mumbai Indians batter, who made his name in the Indian Premier League for his excellent temperament at No. 3, has been forced to reinvent himself as a batter to meet the demands of the Indian team. Varma, however, after some initial struggles, has been able to play clutch knocks in high-pressure games, helping India win the Asia Cup 2025 and the Asian Games 2026, among other matches.
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Speaking at the post-series press conference, the Indian batter said he had the technique to bat at both No. 3 and No. 6, but admitted that it was easier to finish matches in the No. 3 role.
“It is not that easy to change between No.3-6. I love finishing games for the country. I love that job. Yes, it is easy to finish games while batting at 3 than at No.6, but we have a combination at the top, and they are doing great. I am mentally prepared for the finisher’s role and I have already won a few games there,” Tilak Varma said.
“I have got the shots where I can send balls all over the ground. I have got the technique to bat both at No.3 and No.5. I can adapt. I can deliver in any role for the team. It is just a matter of one day of practice for me,” he added.
The Indian T20I team currently has a logjam at the top of the order, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer and Tilak competing for spots.
The Indian team management has settled on Abhishek, Samson and Ishan for the top order for now, with the captain walking in at No. 4.
The vice-captain now faces even more competition for his spot, with India playing Nitish Reddy, Naman Dhir and Shivam Dube in the West Indies series. The longer batting order has meant that India have been scoring 200-plus runs with ease in most of their games. However, their bowling attack has been left short due to the absence of specialist bowlers.
Varma reflected on the same after the series but praised Naman Dhir, who picked up five wickets during the series.
“The positive is that we have scored 200+ in every game. It is a good sign for the team. Naman Dhir’s bowling is one of the big positives. An off spinner bowling to right handers under pressure and delivering (wickets) is a good sign,” Varma concluded.
India will now take a short break before playing their first T20I in New Zealand on October 22.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
