Tilak Varma stays true to himself to answer all the noise with punch speed

When Tilak Varma went out to bat in Harare on Saturday, July 25, he didn’t just go face-to-face with Zimbabwe, he carried all the pressure and noise surrounding his place in the Indian side. The conversation centered on his strike rate and whether he really fits into India’s action-packed, big-hitting philosophy.

It was almost a year ago that he played the finisher’s role in India’s thrilling Asia Cup final against Pakistan, taking the team home after an even innings. But in the modern game, especially T20I, handling often struggles to compete with brute strength. Fans were spoiled by the fearless attitude of players like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, while others adopted the same ultra-aggressive plan.

India vs Zimbabwe 2nd T20I: Highlights | Scorecard

Tilak did score a fifty in the T20I final in England, but that didn’t count. His struggles with spin were evident, while his strike rate of 108 and average of 21.6 were the lowest among batsmen who faced at least 100 balls this year. Still, Tilak refused to let the noise dictate his play.

He boldly claimed that he was batting according to the team’s requirements and that as vice-captain he had a responsibility to fulfill. So Harare became the perfect stage for a reaction.

India were 95 for three after 10 overswith Ishan Kishan well set at the other end. At that stage, the visitors needed someone who could shift gears smoothly and power the innings to a comprehensive match-winner.

The spinners came in and Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza wanted to test the Southpaw. Most expected Tilak to adopt a moderate approach. In a way, yes. Only this time, his restraint came with a relentless intent as he focused on punching gaps rather than forcing the issue.

The second ball from Raza disappeared on the boundary with a pull. When Brad Evans tried to push him out wide, Tilak simply picked up the ball and sent it to the fence.

His ability to handle the field gradually came to the fore again, a hallmark of his batting for most of his career before the difficult tour of Great Britain.

The result was an incredible half-century with the loss of just 23 balls to finish with a strike rate of 206.89. India piled on 98 runs in the last seven overs to add 219, a total that eventually sealed the series, with Tilak remaining unbeaten till the very end.

For once the conversation wasn’t about strike rates. It was about his accuracy at the square of the wicket on both sides, his handling of spin and his ability to keep the Indian innings moving forward.

DOES INDIA NEED A FINISHER?

The finisher’s role is often reserved for the biggest hitters, players are expected to come in, clear the ropes and wring out every innings.

On Saturday, Tilak offered a different interpretation of the ending. One built around control, positioning and game awareness rather than brute force.

“Especially in the middle overs, you want to hit the gaps down the ground, so you can’t take too many chances through the fielders. If you want to score down the ground, then you can become a good finisher. I’ve always tried to finish matches since childhood. So that’s what I try to do,” Tilak said during the mid-innings break.

The numbers supported his approach. Tilak recorded a control percentage of 87 during his innings. It is also worth noting that he excelled at No. 3 for India, scoring several hundreds in that role.

But at number 5, he took on a completely different challenge – and he passes every test. In 12 innings in that role, he scored 343 runs at an average of 38.11 and a strike rate of just over 149.

It’s a position where opportunities to shine are often limited. Still, Tilak continues to show that he is willing to do whatever the team asks of him.

“Honestly, I love batting in the top order. But I always say that wherever the team needs me, I’m up for it,” Tilak said.

READY TO PROCESS

If there was one constant throughout Tilak’s career, it was his commitment to improvement. Not too long ago, he led India A to the tri-series title in Sri Lanka and the very next day he was back in Hyderabad playing in the Telangana T20 League. He immediately announced himself with a brilliant hundred before setting his sights on the UK tour.

He was given a week off after the T20I series in England, which he used well. During that time, he didn’t try to add extravagant moves or reinvent himself. Instead, he focused on honing the strengths he already had.

Saturday’s knock showed exactly that. Tilak was determined to work in the field, an approach he credits to head coach Gautam Gambhir.

“Since the Ireland-England series, I have spoken to our head coach Mr. Gautam and now Mr. Laxman about wanting to work down the ground. If you hit the ground, your consistency will improve. I have spoken to Mr. Gautam a lot about finding gaps. I worked really hard during the week’s break we had after the England series,” said Tilak, today I am happy for me that it worked out.

The scrutiny isn’t going away anytime soon. Bigger opponents and bigger challenges await, and every shift will continue to be dissected.

There is a reason why Tilak remains one of the first names in India’s T20I squad as vice-captain. Whether it’s batting at No. 3 or adapting to the demands of No. 5, he has repeatedly shown a willingness to mold his game to the needs of the team. This is also why he consistently wins the “Best Attitude” award in the team.

Saturday’s innings may not silence every debate about his strike tally, but it served as a timely reminder of what he brings to this Indian side. Not every finisher needs to rely solely on brute strength.

And maybe, just maybe, India has found a finisher who does it differently.

– The end

Published on:

Jul 26, 2026 07:38 IST