Indian middle-order batter Tilak Varma has opened up on the challenge of transitioning from the No.3 batter to the middle and lower-middle order in the shortest format of the game. Notably, Tilak was used to bat at No.3 in T20Is. However, Ishan Kishan’s emergence changed the whole situation for the Hyderabad-born batter.
Speaking at the post-match press conference after the five-match T20I series against the West Indies in Bengaluru, Tilak stated that it was a bit challenging to move down the batting order, but added that he was ready to embrace the role.
“Honestly, it’s not that easy to change from three to five and six. It will be slightly challenging. But I have been working on that,” Tilak said at the post-match press conference.
“How can I finish the games? I have said before that I want to finish the games for the country. So, I love doing that job. So, for me as an individual, if you see, it will be easier batting at three and finishing the games,” he added.
“But unfortunately, I should bat at five and six because we have got that combination right now. How Ishan (Kishan) is batting at number three, he is batting really brilliantly there. So, for me now, I think there is no option that I should bat at five and six and do the job for the team. So, I am mentally prepared for that role. And if you see a few games, I have won from there. So, I am pretty confident to do well there as well,” Tilak said.
Further, Tilak revealed that he has been consistently working on adapting to different roles in India’s batting order. He also emphasised the importance of dedicating a day or two to practice to prepare for the specific batting position assigned to him.
“I have changed personally. I have been in this role when I was in childhood as well. I have got the shots going all over the ground. So I am confident that if I bat at three and five also, I have got both the techniques where I can adapt. So with that, if I practise 1-2 days, then I can do any role for the team,” he said.
“So that’s what I have been practising. I know my technique. If I bat at 5-6, how I should adapt. And again, coming back to 3, how I should adapt. So, just one day for me, in practice, if I do, I will just set up the things, and I am confident to do it anywhere,” he concluded.
