I love batting at No. 3 – Tilak Varma

India got back to winning ways in their last T20I clash against West Indies in Indore. Tilak Varma scored a quickfire 28 off just 16 balls in the last game, playing an instrumental role in propelling India to 223 on the board. As the Men in Blue gear up for the upcoming fourth T20I against West Indies, Varma opened up on his inclination to bat at No.3.

Talking at the pre-match presser, Varma opened up on how he enjoys himself batting at that position but he also highlighted the fact that he is ready to adapt as per the team’s needs. He shed light on how he is setting up his mind to be ready for any and every challenge that comes in his way.

Varma said, “I love batting at No. 3 - I have said that many times. 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.”

Putting the nation’s needs first, Varma added, “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.”

Reflecting on how he has been prepping his mindset for any and every role that he might have to play, Varma stated, “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."

Defining the changes that Varma has been working with to make himself more adaptable, he said, “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. You have to have confidence in yourself first. If you don't have confidence in yourself, the team won't have either.”

He concluded by saying, “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. And after that, I look at the conditions, which bowler I can go after, and which shots I can play on that wicket."