Batting order flexible except openers, claims Tilak Varma after furor over changing positions

The Indian team had faced a bit of criticism after Axar Patel was sent into bat at no. 3 in last T20I vs SA.

Team India seems to be facing a few issues in their batting due to the ever-changing bating order, especially in T20Is. In the second T20I vs South Africa, Axar Patel was sent at no. 3, when a clean striker was needed, and the ploy did not make much sense. A lot of questions were then asked of Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam Gambhir.

Only Openers Fixed, Says Tilak Varma

But Tilak Varma has jumped out in defence of the think-tank. As per him, except for the opening role, all other batting positions are flexible. He also made it clear, that he was ready to bat anywhere the team wanted him to. “Absolutely, everyone is flexible except the openers. I’m ready to bat at No. 3, 4, 5 or 6, wherever the team wants me. Everyone knows the batting order is flexible.”

Ready to Bat at Any Number

Tilak Varma further substantiated his point and said that, even though the Axar Patel ploy might have failed vs SA, but it is something that can work. “It depends on the situation. You’ve already seen this with Axar Patel in the World Cup—he went up the order and did well. One-off games happen. At that time, whatever feels best for the team, everyone keeps the team first. No one thinks about individual positions. I’ve said I’m ready to bat anywhere for the team, and all players are thinking the same way.”

Meanwhile, the third T20I between IND & SA will be played in Dharamsala on December 14. The series is level at 1-1, with the last two matches to be held in Lucknow and Ahmedabad. The series will conclude on December 19.