Tilak Varma Embraces India’s Middle-Order Role Against West Indies

Tilak Varma says he is enjoying his middle-order assignment for India despite making no secret of his preference to bat at No. 3. Speaking ahead of the fourth T20I against West Indies in Hyderabad, India’s vice-captain said he is preparing himself to respond to the changing demands of a role that can place him at No. 5, and sometimes even No. 6 or No. 7.

The left-hand batter sees the move as an opportunity to contribute in different match situations. While No. 3 offers the chance to bat in the powerplay with only two fielders outside the 30-yard circle, Tilak said his focus is on doing what the side needs and helping India win games.

Ready for changing match situations

“I love batting at No. 3 – I have said that many times,” Tilak said. “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, Tilak stressed that flexibility is central to his current task. “But whatever the team needs, I want to step into that role,” he said. “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.”

That contrast defines the challenge of batting lower in the order. An early collapse can require a batter to rebuild and ensure the innings lasts, while a strong platform higher up can leave only a short period in which to attack immediately. Tilak said he has been practising with both possibilities in mind.

“I have been practising with that mindset that I need to be ready to play both games,” he said. “I have worked really hard and by God’s grace, it’s going well. So right now, I’m enjoying this.”

Tilak had previously made his preference for No. 3 clear during India’s tour of South Africa two years earlier, when he asked then T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav for the position. Suryakumar gave up his spot, and Tilak responded with back-to-back hundreds. In 2026, though, his focus is on the middle-order role India have assigned him.

He said confidence is vital when entering an innings in varying circumstances. “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,” Tilak said. “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.”

Run-out lesson before Hyderabad return

Tilak’s most recent outing in the third T20I in Indore ended in an unusual run-out as India attempted to recover after losing four wickets in three overs. Axar Patel hit Gudakesh Motie behind square leg and both batters believed the ball had reached the boundary, prompting them to stop running.

Kamil Pooran had instead stopped the ball and returned it to the wicketkeeper. Axar made his ground after seeing the throw, but Tilak, running towards the non-striker’s end, was caught unaware and was run out.

Tilak said he thought the hoarding beyond the boundary had flashed, leading him to believe the ball had hit it and come back into play. He added that he could not see the throw coming in and said he would keep running until the umpire signals a boundary next time.

Wednesday’s match will take place at Tilak’s home ground in Hyderabad. The venue has generally been high-scoring, although the square has recently been relaid, leaving the nature of the pitch to be seen. For Tilak, the fourth T20I offers another chance to apply the adaptable middle-order approach he says he is now enjoying.