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

India’s Tilak Varma has embraced his shift down the batting order in T20 Internationals, moving from his earlier position at No. 3 to No.

5 or 6. The 23-year-old opener acknowledged the adjustment hasn’t been seamless but has focused on refining his technique and mental approach to excel in his new role.

With Ishan Kishan now established at No. 3 and Shreyas Iyer anchoring No.

4, Varma’s demotion aligns with the team’s strategic lineup, featuring Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson at the top. His recent performances reflect this adaptation, averaging 65.66 at No.

6 across nine matches and 46 at Nos. 5–6 in 26 combined innings, though his strike rate drops slightly lower in the latter position.

Varma emphasized his versatility, noting he can adapt to any batting slot with targeted practice, while also highlighting the pressure of finishing games—a responsibility he’s eager to fulfill for India. His confidence stems from years of experience in similar roles, including during his youth career, and a commitment to expanding his shot repertoire to handle the demands of limited-overs cricket.

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