Kris Srikkanth, former Indian cricketer, has slammed Tilak Varma for his irresponsible shot in the recent T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8s game against South Africa in Ahmedabad.

Tilak's stint at the crease ended quickly when he attempted an ill-judged stroke in only the second over of India's chase of 188. The early wicket added to the batting unit's already heavy pressure.

Tilak Varma was the star of India’s Asia Cup 2025 win, playing the match-winning knock in the final in Dubai. However, he suffered an injury ahead of the New Zealand T20Is and, since then, has struggled to find his rhythm. In five matches at this World Cup, the left-hander has scored 107 runs at a strike rate of 118.88.

Srikkanth gave a scathing evaluation of India's team selection and Tilak Varma's dismissal, implying a possible change in the starting XI. He questioned Tilak's place in the team and intimated that Sanju Samson could replace him following what he called a "horrible" shot in the previous game.

“If Sanju Samson has to come into the 11, there is no place for Tilak Varma. Many are questioning Tilak's place in the side. There's a good chance he'll be dropped from the 11 for the shot he played today. It was a horrible shot, and he didn't deserve to stay at the crease after playing a shot like that,” Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.

Srikkanth cited Virat Kohli's absence as a major reason for India's troubles in big chases, emphasizing that the squad lacks a proven match-winner in pressure situations.

"Kohli was the Player of the Match in our top three chases in the T20 World Cup. There is clearly a big hole without a chase master like Virat Kohli. India will continue struggling to chase big totals without him. All the teams will only bat first and make India chase moving forward," said Srikkanth.

Tilak’s place will be under scrutiny when India takes on Zimbabwe on February 26 in Chennai in their next Super 8s game.