'Whatever the team needs': Tilak Varma ready for Hyderabad clash
India's Tilak Varma discusses adapting his batting role and his costly run-out mistake ahead of the crucial 4th T20I against West Indies in Hyderabad.
India's T20I vice-captain Tilak Varma has declared his readiness to embrace any batting role required by the side as the team prepares to face the West Indies in the fourth T20I at Hyderabad on Wednesday.
Despite a personal preference for the top order, the left-hander has embraced his current responsibility in the middle order, showing a "team-first" mentality ahead of the high-stakes encounter at his home ground.
Adapting to the Middle Order
While Varma has often expressed his desire to bat at number three, he remains fully committed to his current role of stabilizing and accelerating during the middle phases of an innings. He noted that batting at number three offers the unique advantage of exploiting the powerplay when fielding restrictions are in place.
“I love batting at No. 3 - I have said that many times,” Varma admitted. “At No. 3, you have the chance to bat in the powerplay when only two fielders are outside the 30-yard circle. So you can go and swing freely. So every batter enjoys that role, especially in T20s."
However, the vice-captain emphasized that his primary goal is to serve the team's tactical needs, whether that means rebuilding an innings or attacking from the first ball if the top order provides a strong platform.
“But whatever the team needs, I want to step into that role. Right now, my role is to handle that middle phase, from No. 5, 6, 7. If we lose quick wickets, then I can take some time and take the game deep. If our top three bat till the 14th or 15th over, then I also know how to get going from the first ball," he explained.
Mental Strength and Coaching Lessons
Varma highlighted the mental fortitude required to bat lower down the order, where the pressure to score immediately can be immense. He credited his childhood coaching for instilling the importance of match-winning contributions over individual batting positions.
- Adaptability: Preparing to play both a stabilizing and an attacking role.
- Confidence: The necessity of self-belief when wickets fall frequently.
- Tactics: Analyzing conditions and specific bowlers to exploit.
“My coach has taught me since childhood that no matter what position you bat at, nothing is like winning the match for your team," the flamboyant southpaw added.
Addressing the Indore Run-Out Mistake
The batter also opened up about a costly mix-up during the third T20I in Indore. While attempting to rebuild the innings, a misunderstanding with Axar Patel led to his dismissal after both players mistakenly believed a shot had reached the boundary.
“I felt that the hoarding beyond the boundary line had flashed,” Varma recalled. “So I thought the ball hit the hoarding and came back inside. Axar also felt the same. Unfortunately, I was going towards the non-striker's end, so I could not see the throw coming in... The next time I will keep running until the umpire signals four.”
The Road to Victory in Hyderabad
The upcoming match will be played at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Varma's home turf. With a recently relaid square, the pitch conditions are expected to play a significant role in the game's outcome.
India currently holds a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. A victory in Hyderabad would see them secure an unassailable lead, while the West Indies will be fighting to keep the series alive.