Photo via CricTracker

[WATCH] Tilak Varma run out after bizarre mix-up with Axar Patel

India’s vice-captain Tilak Varma was dismissed for just 28 off 16 balls in the third T20I against the West Indies at Holkar Stadium in Indore on October 11, 2026, after a chaotic mix-up with Axar Patel during a routine running opportunity. The incident unfolded in the 17th over when Gudakesh Motie’s delivery was flicked low by Patel toward the leg side.

Both batters initially misread the play as a boundary, with Varma failing to return to his crease in time as Patel scrambled back safely. Varma’s dismissal, coming after a strong start to the innings—including four boundaries—disrupted India’s momentum, as they had reached 117 for 3 before collapsing to a total of 223 in 20 overs.

The error left India’s lower order under pressure to chase a competitive target, while head coach Gautam Gambhir’s visible frustration in the dugout underscored the costly nature of the lapse in the final overs.

Varma had entered the match with strong form, finishing unbeaten on 44 off 18 balls in the previous T20I of the series, showcasing his ability to accelerate scoring in the death overs. His aggressive approach in Indore, with four boundaries before the run-out, highlighted his role as a key finisher for India.

Despite Abhishek Sharma’s solid 69 off 30 balls providing a strong platform, the cluster of wickets toward the end of the innings—including Varma’s dismissal—left India’s total vulnerable, ultimately falling short of their match-winning ambitions.

Up nextCricket· 15m ago

Abhishek Sharma fires 69, but India falter after flying start against West Indies