In the aftermath of India's loss to South Africa in the second T20I, significant attention has been drawn to India's batting-order decisions, particularly the move to promote Axar Patel to No. 3. The all-rounder managed a run-a-ball 21, prompting debate over whether a more established batter could have capitalised better on the situation.
Addressing questions surrounding India's batting approach ahead of the third T20I, middle-order batter Tilak Varma, who struck a valiant 62 in the defeat, emphasised the importance of situational awareness and clear role definition within the team.
The 23-year-old has primarily batted at No. 3 or No. 4 for India, positions in which he has enjoyed considerable success. Both of his T20I centuries came from the No. 3 spot, achieved against South Africa in November last year. He was also in fine form during the Asia Cup 2025, where he featured mainly at No. 4 but moved down the order when the situation demanded. Varma finished the tournament with 213 runs, including a crucial unbeaten 69 in the final, played under pressure during India's chase against Pakistan.
