Tilak Varma will be batting at three going forward: Suryakumar Yadav

Tilak Varma’s first T20I century, 107(56), led India to an 11-run victory against South Africa in the third T20I of the four T20I bilateral series. 

After being sent in to bat first yet again after losing the toss, India had a blistering start courtesy of Abhishek Sharma, who didn’t let Sanju Samson’s early dismissal impact his intent and scored 50 off just 25 deliveries. Varma joined Sharma for a 107-run partnership for the second wicket and then batted throughout the innings to ensure India reached 219/6, which proved to be 11 runs too much for the Proteas. 

Skipper Suryakumar Yadav revealed during the post-match presentation that Varma asked him to bat at number three after the second T20I at Gqeberha. 

“What can I say about Tilak Varma? He came to me (in Gqeberha), asked me if he could bat at three,” he said. 

“I said to him it was his day and to enjoy himself. I knew what he was capable of doing and very happy for him. He is batting at three going forward definitely (smiles). He asked for it, and he delivered. Very happy for his family.”

Yadav also highlighted how being fearless for the youngsters in the team didn’t just mean hitting boundaries for fun. That has to reflect in the intent of the batters, something which has been emblematic of this Indian T20I side under him. Even debutant Ramandeep Singh hit his first ball in T20I cricket for a six. 

“Aggression and intent, it is not about just talking,” Suryakumar said.  

“If you step out and take a single, that is what intent is. It has made my job very easier when I watch them bat like that, and I feel we are going in the right direction.“

Meanwhile, centurion Varma thanked Suryakumar for giving him his own batting position and felt that it was the “right time to score a hundred” for him. 

“I couldn't imagine, and I cannot put it down in words,” Varma said. 

“It was my dream and it was the right time to score a hundred for my team. It was kind of a decider in the series. So, under the pressure, it was a good knock. All credit goes to captain Suryakumar Yadav. He has given me an opportunity (at three). Before the game, he told me (that I would bat there). I am really, really happy (he gave me that opportunity).

“I just wanted to express myself and back my basics. Even under pressure, I followed the basics and backed myself. The wicket was slightly two-paced at the start. When Abhishek was dismissed, it was not easy for the new batter. I was waiting for one partnership, and we were talking about that. I always believe in my basics. The team management backs every player to have a positive approach.”

The fourth and last T20I will be played on November 15 in Wanderers. 

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