In a batting line-up packed with fearless hitters, Tilak Varma is ready to play the long game when the situation demands restraint.
The 23-year-old has already demonstrated that maturity in his young international career. His defining moment came in the 2025 Asia Cup final, where he calmly guided India to a successful chase of 147 against Pakistan national cricket team, finishing unbeaten on 69 off 53 balls. It was an innings built on patience, awareness, and responsibility rather than flair.
Speaking on the eve of India’s Group-A encounter against Namibia national cricket team at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Tilak underlined the importance of adapting to the match situation.
“I believe the middle overs are very important and should be handled by a settled batter. I try to take the game deep, especially when we are chasing. We have a lot of power-hitters all the way down to No. 8, so someone needs to anchor the innings in the middle phase. I take that pressure on myself to be that batter. There are others who hit anyway. Every match is different—the wicket, the conditions and the bowlers. So, I focus on the present and react to the situation,” Tilak said at the press conference.
India recently experienced the risks of an all-out attacking approach against the United States national cricket team in Mumbai. A flurry of aggressive strokes led to a dramatic slide to 77 for six. The tide turned only through a composed unbeaten 84 from Suryakumar Yadav, which ultimately powered India to a 29-run victory.
Reflecting on that early collapse, Tilak admitted the team misread the conditions. “When Abhishek got out, I went in and felt that the ball was coming nicely onto the bat. I thought the wicket was fine, but actually it wasn’t. I was just in that flow. Unfortunately, it happens. After a few wickets fell, we realized we had assessed the pitch a bit late. But the way Suryakumar played was a masterclass. That’s the strength of this team. We haven’t lost a bilateral series (since the last T20 World Cup) because someone always takes responsibility.”
As India prepare for their next test, Tilak’s willingness to absorb pressure could once again provide the balance between aggression and assurance in a side brimming with firepower.
