Leg and off: Should Tilak Varma be India's permanent T20I No. 3?
India have been fortunate to nurture some exceptional young talent in recent years. These players have made their mark in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and domestic cricket before carrying that form into the international arena, especially in T20 cricket.
In the fast-paced world of T20 cricket, the No. 3 batting position is pivotal. It demands a player who can anchor the innings through the middle overs, control the game's tempo, and set the stage for the finishers.
For over a decade, this crucial spot was expertly manned by Virat Kohli. However, following India's victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, Kohli bid farewell to T20I cricket.
Since then, the mantle of No. 3 has been taken up by the new T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav. Yet, in the ongoing T20I series against South Africa, young Tilak Varma approached his captain with a request to bat at No. 3 in the third T20I on Wednesday, November 13. He made the most of that opportunity, leaving a strong impression.
The 22-year-old hammered his maiden international century, becoming the second youngest Indian. His knock of 107* off 56 balls included eight fours and seven sixes, helping India set a total of 219/6 in their 20 overs. In the end, India secured an 11-run victory, taking a 2-1 lead in the four-match series.
Having proven his credentials while batting at No. 3, this article examines whether Tilak Varma should or should not be India’s permanent T20I No. 3.
India should consider Tilak Varma as a long-term investment at No. 3 in T20Is
In his brief 19-game T20I career, Tilak Varma has already shown remarkable maturity, scoring 496 runs, including two fifties and one hundred. The Hyderabad batter has all the tools to become a global star and a mainstay for India at No. 3 in T20Is.
His technical ability makes him an ideal candidate for the crucial No. 3 position. Tilak is equally comfortable playing conventional shots and experimenting with innovative strokes. His solid technique against pace and spin, combined with his ability to strike the ball cleanly, hands him the flexibility to adapt to different match situations.
One of his standout qualities is his composure and fearlessness when it comes to taking risks. In the third T20I against South Africa, when India lost Sanju Samson for a duck, Tilak came in and immediately stamped his authority. He hit a four and a six off the first three balls he faced, showcasing the aggression and intent required in T20 cricket.
His ability to accelerate without losing his wicket makes him a key asset in this role. Tilak can strike big when needed, but he also has the skill to rotate the strike and find gaps - a quality that sets him apart, as demonstrated in his performance against South Africa.
At 22, Tilak Varma has the potential to be a long-term asset for India. With the Men in Blue reigning as T20 World Cup champions, and the next major tournament set for 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, there’s ample time to give him opportunities at No. 3 and allow him to cement his place.
Giving him this role now would allow him to settle in and grow, providing India with a key player for future global tournaments, including the T20 World Cup. It’s a move that could pay significant dividends down the line.
Tilak Varma might need to wait for a permanent spot at No. 3 in T20Is
Tilak Varma has shown tremendous potential, and his century against South Africa has strengthened his case. However, it was just one innings, and while impressive, it doesn’t define his future or change his past numbers.
In T20Is for India, Tilak has batted at No. 3 in nine innings, scoring 227 runs. If we exclude the recent century, that drops to 120 runs from his first eight innings.
On the other hand, his record in the middle order is more promising. At No. 4, he’s scored 219 runs in six innings at an average of 43.80. In the IPL, Tilak has batted at No. 3 only twice, managing 47 runs in those innings.
But at No. 4, he’s racked up 566 runs in 17 matches, averaging 37.73, with four fifties. His best numbers have come at No. 5, where he’s scored 514 runs at an average of 46.73.
Based on his performances, it’s clear that Tilak has flourished in the middle order. While it might be tempting to promote him to No. 3 after a few good innings, critics may argue that he still needs more time to adjust to the rigors of international cricket before taking on a permanent role at that spot.
The No. 3 position in Indian cricket has long been associated with Virat Kohli, and filling his shoes is no small task. Kohli was not only technically brilliant but also a charismatic leader who thrived under pressure. The weight of those expectations could be heavy for a young player like Tilak, who may need time to get used to such a high-profile position.
Additionally, Tilak could find it difficult to secure a consistent spot in the playing XI following the return of players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Ruturaj Gaikwad.
It might benefit him to continue in the middle order, where he has shown greater success. However, if he’s to bat at No. 3, he will need more opportunities in that role to prove his ability.