![Tilak Varma on turning into a finisher. [Source - AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1792303872633_TilakVarmaonturningintoafinisher.jpg?type=hq)
Tilak Varma on turning into a finisher. [Source - AFP]
Tilak Varma has been a key part of India’s T20I setup, but his batting position has changed in recent matches. The left-hander has switched to the finisher’s role for India in T20Is.
After India’s fifth T20I against the West Indies, Tilak opened up about the tough transition to his new finisher’s role, admitting that adapting to the change has not been easy.
Tilak Varma Says There Is ‘No Option’ But To Bat At No. 5 Or 6 For India In T20Is
Tilak Varma has primarily batted at No. 3 or 4 for India’s T20I side. India’s changed top-order combination has pushed Tilak Varma to No. 5 or 6, with the batter admitting that adjusting to his new finisher’s role has been challenging.
"It's not that easy to change the numbers from 3 to 5 and 6. It will be slightly challenging. But I have been working on that," Tilak said in IND vs WI post match press conference in Bengaluru.
"Ishan Kishan is batting at number 3 now, and he is batting really brilliantly there. So, for me now, I think there is no option but to bat at 5 and 6 and do the job for the team," Tilak added.
Tilak acknowledged that batting at No. 3 comes more naturally to him but understands the team’s requirements. With no choice but to bat at No. 5 or 6, he is mentally prepared to embrace his new responsibility for India.
Tilak Varma’s New Finisher Role Is A Big Gain For India
Tilak Varma’s transition into a finisher’s role has been a big gain for India. Despite the challenges of moving down the order, his strike rate has improved significantly compared to his numbers at No. 3 and 4.
Since January 2025, Tilak has scored at a strike-rate of 123.1 across 19 T20I innings for India combined at No. 3 and 4.
Batting Position | Runs | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|
No. 3 (11 innings) | 304 | 125.6 |
No. 4 (6 innings) | 271 | 120.4 |
(Tilak Varma T20I stats at 3 and 4 since Jan 2025)
However, his numbers have changed considerably in 2026. Batting at No. 5 or below, Tilak has struck at 164.4 across 23 T20I innings at No. 5, 6 and 7, showcasing his ability to score quicker in the finishing role.
Batting Position | Runs | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|
No. 5 (14 innings) | 341 | 147.6 |
No. 6 (7 innings) | 185 | 201.1 |
No. 7 (2 innings) | 23 | 209.1 |
(Tilak Varma T20I stats at 5, 6 and 7 in 2026)
Tilak has been even more explosive in the death overs, striking at 234.31 in T20Is in 2026, the highest among the India players. Despite having little choice, his new finisher role has been a significant gain for India.
