Tilak Varma Embraces Flexibility in Batting Order After Stellar Performance Against South Africa
Tilak Varma's Dynamic Role in India's Victory
Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], December 20: Following his explosive fifty in the fifth T20I against South Africa, Tilak Varma expressed his readiness to adapt to any batting position as required by the Indian team.
Varma showcased his batting skills with a remarkable 73 runs off 42 balls, complemented by Hardik Pandya's aggressive 63 runs off just 25 deliveries, leading India to a formidable total of 231/5 against South Africa. Varma emphasized that his primary focus is on securing victories rather than fixating on a particular batting order, having previously batted at positions 3, 4, and 5.
"I have mentioned this before; aside from the openers, we are adaptable to bat anywhere. That’s my preparation. I’ve played at No. 3, 4, and 5. My sole goal is to help the team win. I aim to adjust to the situation rather than worry about my batting position. Naturally, I enjoy batting at the top, but I’m ready to step in wherever the team needs me," Varma stated during a press conference.
The combined efforts of Varma, Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Varun Chakravarthy led India to a 30-run victory, securing the five-match T20I series 3-1 against South Africa.
The explosive partnership between Pandya and Varma yielded 105 runs off only 44 balls for the fourth wicket. Varma praised Pandya's performance, noting it was a delight to witness from the non-striker's end, highlighting his precision in hitting every ball squarely.
"Watching him from the non-striker's end was impressive. He struck every ball cleanly, and it was a fantastic innings. The partnership and his batting style were crucial on this pitch, and his intent from the very first ball was remarkable," Varma added.
Pandya achieved the second-fastest fifty for India in T20I history, reaching a half-century in just 16 balls during his innings of 63 runs. He also contributed with the ball, taking the important wicket of Dewald Brevis in the second innings.
Additionally, Pandya became the fifth Indian player to surpass 2000 runs in T20I cricket, joining the ranks of notable players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, and KL Rahul.
In the match, India set a target of 231/5, driven by Varma's explosive 73 and Pandya's rapid 63. Pandya's fifty, achieved in just 16 balls, made him the second-fastest Indian to reach this milestone in T20Is, following Yuvraj Singh's record of 12 balls.
At one point, India was at 115 for 3, but the solid fourth-wicket partnership between Hardik and Tilak, which amassed 105 runs off 44 balls, propelled the team to a substantial total.
In response, Varun Chakravarthy's impressive four-wicket haul was instrumental in India's series-clinching victory, with Hardik also contributing with a wicket in his three overs.