The 22-year-old Tilak Varma has successfully auditioned for the number three batting position after being given the opportunity in the final two T20Is of the series in South Africa.
The talented batter dominated the series statistics, accumulating 280 runs across four innings with a staggering average of 140.00 and a remarkable strike rate of 198.58 with 21 fours and 20 sixes, whilst scoring back-to-back centuries in the last two matches that helped India secure a 3-1 series victory.
ALSO WATCH
Champions Trophy in PAK: More drama as Jay Shah strongly objects PCB’s PoK plans
Following Virat Kohli‘s retirement post the T20 World Cup in June this year, the critical number three position has seen several contenders. The team management had previously tested Rishabh Pant in this role during the T20 World Cup, which proved unsuccessful.
Subsequently, the position has been occupied by different players including Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, before captain Suryakumar Yadav assumed the responsibility.
When asked if he wants to continue at No. 3 in future, ‘Player of the Series’ Varma said, “It’s not in my hands. I got the opportunity from Surya bhai, and whatever the team needs, I try to fulfil it. I love playing at No. 3, but I’m ready for any role.”
Captain Surya sacrificed his spot for the youngster.
“It was actually running in my mind that there has been a time when one man has batted consistently at No. 3 and has done wonders for India,” Surya told reporters after India beat South Africa by 135 run in Johannesburg on Friday to win the series.
“So this was a perfect opportunity for a young guy, definitely for him, who is showing a lot of promise. We both actually spoke to each other and he took up the responsibility. He just walked the talk. The way he batted at SuperSport Park and here was incredible. Hope he continues, not only in T20s but in all formats,” the captain added.
India showcased their batting prowess by amassing a formidable 283 for 1 in the fourth T20I, the fifth-highest total in men’s T20 internationals.
Tilak remained unconquered with a spectacular 120 from 47 deliveries, whilst Sanju Samson, who had previously registered two consecutive ducks after a century in the opening T20I, bounced back brilliantly with an unbeaten 109 from 56 balls, scoring his third century in last five appearances.
The duo established a record-breaking second-wicket partnership for India in T20 internationals, accumulating 210 runs from 86 deliveries.
“Even before the (winning) the T20I WC, we played a few T20Is. We spoke about what brand and what type of cricket we wanted to play going forward,” Surya said.
“We play IPL for different franchises, but when we come together, we wanted to do the same thing we do for our franchise, be on the same page and play a different brand of cricket. Post the T20 World Cup, we just followed the same thing we did there.”
The strength and skills of India’s talent pool and the eagerness of the youngsters to improve by playing in the domestic circuit won praise from the T20I skipper.
“I think it says a lot about how strong the base of Indian cricket is. Guys playing a lot of domestic cricket for their respective states. Guys wanting to go back and play for their states, that speaks a lot about their urge to play for their state, deliver and keep that run,” said Surya.
The captain acknowledged the selection dilemma that arises with Samson’s impressive performances as an opener, particularly when considering the eventual return of Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal. He views this situation of having multiple talented options as a positive challenge for the team’s management.
“I haven’t thought that far ahead. I like to live in the moment because this is a special win, a special series victory,” he said. “When they come back, we’ll discuss it calmly. It will be tough, but it’s a good headache to have going forward. Having 20-25 players in the squad and needing to pick 11 is a challenge, but it’s a great situation for any team. We’ll see, the team management, selectors and BCCI will handle that headache. No issues at all,” said Surya.
