India's T20I vice-captain Tilak Varma has said that he is enjoying his new batting role at No. 5 and No. 6, even though he has always preferred batting at No. 3. The left-handed batter believes that his main responsibility is to help India win matches, regardless of the position he bats at. Tilak, who has previously delivered impressive performances at No. 3, is now preparing himself to handle different situations in the middle order. He explained that batting lower down the order requires a different mindset, as players sometimes have to score quickly or build an innings after losing early wickets.
Speaking ahead of the fourth T20I against the West Indies in Hyderabad, Tilak made it clear that he is ready to adapt to whatever role the team needs from him.
"I love batting at No. 3 - I have said that many times," Tilak said. He further explained why the position gives batters more freedom to play attacking shots. "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," he added.
Tilak had earlier requested India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav to give him an opportunity at No. 3 during India's tour of South Africa in 2023. Suryakumar made room for the youngster, and Tilak repaid that trust by scoring two consecutive centuries in the T20I series. Despite his success at No. 3, Tilak understands that the team's requirements come first. 'Whatever the Team Needs, I Want to Step Into That Role'
"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," he said. Tilak also explained how his approach changes depending on the team's situation. If India lose wickets quickly, he may need to spend time at the crease and take the innings deep. However, if the top-order batters have already built a strong platform, he must be ready to attack immediately.
"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," Tilak explained. He added that he has been practising with both situations in mind and is happy with how things are going. "I have been practising with that mindset that I need to be ready to play both games. I have worked really hard and by God's grace, it's going well. So right now, I'm enjoying this," he said.
Batting in the middle order can be challenging because players often have very little time to settle down. Tilak pointed out that wickets can fall quickly, leaving the incoming batter with only a few overs to make an impact. "At No. 4 or 5, as I said earlier, sometimes wickets fall early. Sometimes only two-three overs are left and you have to start hitting straightaway. So you have to be mentally strong," he said.
"You have to have confidence in yourself first. If you don't have confidence in yourself, the team won't have either," he added. Tilak also credited his childhood coach for teaching him that the team's success is more important than an individual's preferred batting position. "My coach has taught me since childhood that no matter what position you bat at, nothing is like winning the match for your team. So I always try to do that," he said.
The fourth T20I against the West Indies is particularly significant for Tilak Varma because the match will be played at his home ground in Hyderabad. For Tilak, the match will be an opportunity to perform in front of his home crowd while continuing to adapt to his responsibilities in India's middle order.