“If You Are Mentally Strong, You Can Bat Anywhere” – Tilak Varma On India’s Flexible Batting Order

Ahead of the third T20I against South Africa at the HPCA Stadium, India’s left-handed batter Tilak Varma highlighted the importance of mental toughness in adapting to different batting roles. India’s batting order drew attention in the previous match when Axar Patel was promoted to number three during a steep chase of 214 in New Chandigarh. The move did not pay off as Axar struggled to find momentum and scored 21 off 21 balls, while India eventually lost by 51 runs. In contrast, Tilak Varma stood out with a composed 62 off 34 deliveries, offering resistance amid failures from key batters.

Speaking ahead of the game, Tilak underlined the team’s flexible approach to batting positions, saying, “Everyone is flexible except openers. Everyone is flexible and open to bat anywhere. I am up for batting at 3, 4, 5, 6, or anywhere. Where the team prefers for me to bat, I am up for it. Everyone knows that they are flexible in every batting order. If you are mentally strong, you can do well in any number.”

Team Decisions And Tactical Calls

Addressing questions around Axar Patel being sent ahead of specialist batters, Tilak defended the team’s tactical thinking and stressed that such decisions are situation-based. He explained, “It depends. As you can see, Axar Patel has already done the same thing in the World Cup, and he has done well in that position as well. It keeps happening in one odd game. It depends on the situation. In a tactical situation, if the team feels that it is the best in that situation, then anyone goes ahead, keeping in mind the team’s interests.”

Tilak Verma further emphasised that occasional failures should not define a strategy, adding, “Ups and downs happen, but the same player has done that in the World Cup as well. I am ready to bat anywhere for the team, and I will always try to do my best for the team. The other players are doing the same, and as I said, everything is flexible, and we are making the decisions that we feel will benefit the team.”

Pitch Conditions And Match Outlook

Looking ahead to conditions in Dharamsala, Tilak felt that the nature of the HPCA Stadium pitch would suit aggressive batting, regardless of whether a team bats first or second. Drawing from past experience, he said, “I have played previously here in the Under-19 series for India. After that, I am coming here now, and we are just going to watch the wicket. I think there will be a high-scoring wicket here. We will play with a positive intent.”

He also reflected on weather and match trends, stating, “In the first two matches, the one who bats first has won. Because the weather is cold everywhere, there is a little bit of seam and swing for the bowlers. So I think there is not much difference in batting first and second. Unfortunately, we collapsed in the last game, but we will play with the same intent.” Tilak concluded by stressing preparation for dew, saying, “We don’t have the toss result in our hands, but we are mentally preparing for the dew.”