Tilak Varma Emphasizes Team Flexibility Ahead of IND vs SA 3rd T20I

In the second T20I against South Africa, promoting Axar Patel to the number three position did not yield the desired outcome. Axar managed to score just 21 runs at a run-a-ball rate, which was less than ideal while chasing a substantial target.

This decision aligns with the team’s adaptable strategy, as emphasized by head coach Gautam Gambhir, who recently noted that batting orders are overrated in white-ball cricket.

However, it was Tilak Varma who stood out at New Chandigarh. Batting lower down the order, Tilak scored an impressive 62 off 34 balls, even as others struggled.

This raises the question: is Tilak a better fit for the number three spot? While Tilak is open to the idea, he emphasized the importance of being able to score from any position.

“Everyone is flexible and ready to bat wherever needed. I’m prepared to bat at three, four, five, or six, depending on the team’s needs. With the right mindset, you can perform well at any position,” Tilak stated during the pre-match press conference on Saturday.

Tilak also defended the decision to bat Axar ahead of him, noting, “Axar excelled in this role during the 2024 T20 World Cup. There are days when things don’t go as planned.”

Published on December 13, 2025.