Photo via The Times of India

‘No option but to bat at 5 or 6’: Tilak Varma on adapting to new role in T20I setup

India’s Tilak Varma has embraced his shift from the No. 3 batting spot to lower positions in T20Is, acknowledging the adjustment comes with added pressure but not without confidence.

The 23-year-old left-hander, who has thrived at No. 6 with an average of 65.66 across nine matches, now faces a more frequent role at Nos.

5 and 6 due to the team’s settled top-order lineup. With Ishan Kishan firmly established at No.

3 and captain Shreyas Iyer anchoring No. 4, Varma has stepped up to finish games—a responsibility he’s preparing for with targeted practice to expand his scoring range in limited overs.

His recent performances from the lower middle order, where he averages 46 with a strike rate of 158, reflect his growing comfort in the role, though he admits the transition from a higher position requires mental and technical refinement. Varma has emphasized the need to capitalize on slower deliveries when batting with just five to six overs, a skill he’s honing to ensure consistency as India’s finisher in high-pressure situations.

Up nextCricket· 18m ago

Not easy to switch batting positions, but I love finishing games for India: Tilak Varma