On the eve of third T20I against South Africa in Dharamsala, India batter Tilak Varma addressed a press conference, where he emphasized the team management's push for a flexible batting order, saying most players are ready to bat anywhere depending on match situations.
The hosts aim to gain a lead in the five-T20I series, currently locked 1-1 after first two games in Cuttack and New Chandigarh.
With India continuing to experiment in the middle-order heading into next year's T20 World Cup, Tilak highlighted the importance of adaptability in the shortest format.
"Everyone is flexible except the openers. I am up for batting at 3, 4, 5 or 6 -- wherever the team prefers for me," Tilak told reporters. "If the team feels a particular move is tactically best, everyone goes with the team."
Citing the example of Axar Patel’s promotion to No. 3 in the batting order during second T20I, the southpaw said such decisions are situation-based rather than role-driven.
"One-off games keep happening. Axar Patel has already done the same thing and he did well there. It depends on the situation," he added.
Sharing insights on the conditions in Dharamsala, Tilak said the pitch could still assist batters despite the cold weather.
"I have played an Under-19 India series here before. We are watching the wicket and I feel it will be a high-scoring one," he said.
However, the 23-year-old cautioned that low temperatures could offer some help to bowlers early on.
With dew expected to influence the result of the match beginning at 7 PM, Tilak said India are mentally prepared for the challenge.
"We don't have the toss in our hands. We are preparing for the dew and have practised with a slightly wet ball," he said.
Addressing concerns about playing in unfamiliar cold conditions, Tilak said mental strength is key. "It's very cold here, but we are prepared mentally and physically. Those who are mentally strong succeed everywhere," he said.
Tilak Varma clarified that moving across the batting order does not impact his preparation. "We follow the basics in practice. I always think about what I can do for the team," he remarked.
On the toss factor, Tilak said batting first or second may not make a major difference. "In the first two matches, the team batting first won because there was some seam and swing in the cold. Overall, there isn't much difference as dew comes in early," he stated.
The left-hander expressed confidence about India’s victory in the series by sticking to its attacking template.
"We will play with the same intent we have shown in the last 15-20 matches. We are confident of winning the series," he concluded.
(With PTI Inputs)
