'God has been really kind': Tilak Varma reveals hard work behind middle-order transformation
toi
newspoint|12-10-2026
India vice-captain Tilak Varma believes that mental preparation and consistent practice have played a crucial role in his growing confidence as a middle-order batter , as he continues to embrace the responsibility of finishing matches for the team.
The left-handed batter has made an encouraging transition from the top order to the middle order, delivering important contributions in recent matches. Tilak remained unbeaten on 44 against West Indies in the second T20I in Ranchi and also scored an unbeaten 51 in India's gold medal-winning campaign at the Asian Games in Japan earlier this month.
Speaking ahead of the third T20I against West Indies, Tilak credited his recent form to his preparation, while also expressing gratitude to the Almighty for the way things have unfolded.
"God has been really kind to me. And right now, my form is also going really good," Tilak said during a pre-match interaction with the broadcasters.
Reflecting on his unbeaten knock in Ranchi, the Indian vice-captain added that while his finishing ability was not required in the previous match in Lucknow, he was pleased with the way he performed when the opportunity arrived.
Tilak Varma reveals hard work behind middle-order transition
Tilak acknowledged that moving away from his preferred top-order position and taking on greater responsibility in the middle order required a significant adjustment, both mentally and technically.
With India's batting positions beyond the openers remaining flexible, the 23-year-old has been preparing to adapt to different situations and finish games under pressure.
"Honestly, I haven't played much at No. 4. You know, as our coach said, every batsman after the openers, everyone keeps rotating," he explained.
"Batting up the order was my strength before, but now I got used to it since the World Cup. During the World Cup, I was batting at five and six. So from there, I was practising how I could finish the game from there."
Tilak emphasised that the transition has involved dedicated work in the nets and a conscious effort to develop the right mindset for the closing stages of an innings.
"So mentally and in practice also, I have really worked hard. And yes, at the right moment, I have already said before that God is really kind, and yes, everything is going well," he added.
India make changes for third T20I against West Indies
India made changes to their playing XI for the third T20I against West Indies, with the visitors winning the toss and opting to bowl first.
India playing XI: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (c), Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Axar Patel, Mayank Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav.
West Indies playing XI: Shai Hope (c/wk), Kamil Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Keemo Paul, Roston Chase, Shamar Springer, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie.
The left-handed batter has made an encouraging transition from the top order to the middle order, delivering important contributions in recent matches. Tilak remained unbeaten on 44 against West Indies in the second T20I in Ranchi and also scored an unbeaten 51 in India's gold medal-winning campaign at the Asian Games in Japan earlier this month.
Speaking ahead of the third T20I against West Indies, Tilak credited his recent form to his preparation, while also expressing gratitude to the Almighty for the way things have unfolded.
"God has been really kind to me. And right now, my form is also going really good," Tilak said during a pre-match interaction with the broadcasters.
Reflecting on his unbeaten knock in Ranchi, the Indian vice-captain added that while his finishing ability was not required in the previous match in Lucknow, he was pleased with the way he performed when the opportunity arrived.
Tilak Varma reveals hard work behind middle-order transition
Tilak acknowledged that moving away from his preferred top-order position and taking on greater responsibility in the middle order required a significant adjustment, both mentally and technically.
With India's batting positions beyond the openers remaining flexible, the 23-year-old has been preparing to adapt to different situations and finish games under pressure.
"Honestly, I haven't played much at No. 4. You know, as our coach said, every batsman after the openers, everyone keeps rotating," he explained.
"Batting up the order was my strength before, but now I got used to it since the World Cup. During the World Cup, I was batting at five and six. So from there, I was practising how I could finish the game from there."
Tilak emphasised that the transition has involved dedicated work in the nets and a conscious effort to develop the right mindset for the closing stages of an innings.
"So mentally and in practice also, I have really worked hard. And yes, at the right moment, I have already said before that God is really kind, and yes, everything is going well," he added.
India make changes for third T20I against West Indies
India made changes to their playing XI for the third T20I against West Indies, with the visitors winning the toss and opting to bowl first.
India playing XI: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (c), Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Axar Patel, Mayank Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav.
West Indies playing XI: Shai Hope (c/wk), Kamil Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Keemo Paul, Roston Chase, Shamar Springer, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie.
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