Suryakumar Yadav confirms sacrificing No. 3 spot for Tilak Varma: He's earned it

India T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav confirmed Tilak Varma's place at number 3 after his match-winning century against South Africa, giving India a 2-1 series lead. Tilak's composed knock steadied the team, ensuring an 11-run victory.

In Short

• Tilak Varma scored a brilliant unbeaten 107 off 51 balls
• Abhishek Sharma contributed a vital 50, boosting India's total
• Arshdeep Singh dismissed Jansen to secure the thrilling victory

India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed that Tilak Varma has earned the number 3 batting spot after his remarkable maiden T20I century against South Africa at Centurion on November 14.India’s thrilling 11-run win in Johannesburg handed them a 2-1 lead in the ongoing four-match series, and Tilak’s elevation to the top order has proven to be a match-defining moment. His unbeaten 107 off 51 balls anchored India after an early setback, while his blend of powerful hits and strategic rotation of strike helped set a solid total of 219. Suryakumar praised Tilak’s innings, confirming his stay at number 3 for the foreseeable future.

The Centurion T20I saw a shaky start for India as the in-form Sanju Samson fell for a second consecutive duck, dismissed by South African pacer Marco Jansen. Tilak’s promotion to number 3, a position typically occupied by Suryakumar, was a move that saw immediate rewards as he played with poise, confidence, and attacking intent—qualities that resonated with India’s current T20 strategy. The 21-year-old played a spectacular knock, remaining unbeaten on 107 off just 51 balls. Partnering with Abhishek Sharma, who also regained form with a quickfire 50 off 25 balls, Tilak helped steer India to a strong total of 219. Suryakumar revealed in the post-match presentation that Tilak’s promotion was suggested by the young batter himself on the night after the 2nd T20I.

SA vs IND, 3rd T20I: Highlights

"What can I say about Tilak Varma. He came to me (in Gqeberha), asked me if he could bat at three. 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, he delivered. Very happy for his family." Suryakumar said.

India’s total of 219 set the stage for an intense South African chase, which saw the Proteas staying in the game thanks to a fiery display from Heinrich Klaasen and a late assault by Marco Jansen. Jansen’s 54 off 17 balls kept South Africa’s hopes alive until the final moments, but Arshdeep Singh’s dismissal of the all-rounder with just three balls left helped seal the win for India.

Tilak Verma himself in the post-match presentation, could not filter his praise for Suryakumar for allowing him to bat at number 3, and went on to give a major credit to the India skipper for his long-desired maiden T20I century.

"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," Tilak said.

The match's outcome now turns the final T20I in Johannesburg into a high-stakes decider. Suryakumar’s confirmation of Tilak Varma’s position as India’s new number 3 suggests a shift in the team’s long-term strategy, especially as they continue to build a robust lineup for future tournaments. With his maiden century and the ability to anchor the innings, Tilak’s promotion looks promising for India’s middle order, adding depth and stability where it is needed most. The management will be watching closely to see if this call from skipper Suryakumar continues to pay off.