Tilak Varma gives a perfect response to the critics of the strike. Here is what he said

India’s T20I vice-captain Tilak Varma applauded his critics for hitting with a perfect response ahead of the series in Zimbabwe. Tilak’s strike rate has seen a serious decline in the last few years since he broke into the team.

ZIMBABWE VS INDIA T20IS: FULL REPORT

From 187.73 in 2024, the southpaw’s strike rate this year was 143.12 as he struggled against spin. During the recent British tour, Tilak had a strike rate of 152.94 in England and 110.44 in Ireland. In a press conference ahead of the Zimbabwe series, Tilak said that he always keeps the needs of the team at the forefront. The southpaw claimed he can hit the ball hard from the first ball but said his approach with the bat is dictated by the team’s need in the given situation.

“In this game you have to bat at different places and especially in such conditions it is not easy. At the same time, I always say that I do whatever is required for the team. If I have to stop and play for the team, then I stop and play. If I have to hit, then I hit and play,” Tilak said in a press conference on Tuesday.

“I can go and bat the first ball. But at the same time I am playing for the country, so there are a lot of responsibilities. So what are the conditions of the team? If I have to play for the team till the end, then our team planning is constantly changing.”

THE VICE CAPTAIN EFFECT

Tilak was appointed as Shreyas Iyer’s deputy captain after the BCCI decided to revamp the T20I side after winning the T20 World Cup. Although the role does not mean much in practice, Tilak said the added responsibility affects how he plays.

“So when you have vice-captain in your name, the team gives you something after thinking. So I want to take the same responsibility that the management gives me, so I play accordingly,” said Tilak.

India will take on Zimbabwe in a three-match series starting on July 23.

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Published on:

Jul 22, 2026 08:44 IST