Tilak Varma says team demands shape his batting after strike-rate criticism
Author: Vishnu Reddy
Updated At:
Tilak Varma has defended his strike rate after coming under criticism during India’s T20I trips to Ireland and England. The 23-year-old said he bats according to what the team needs, pointing to the added responsibility he feels after being named vice-captain.
Ahead of the first T20I against Zimbabwe on Thursday, Tilak said he cannot always play with an attacking mindset. “In this game, you have to bat in different places, and especially in such conditions, it’s not easy.
At the same point, I always say that I do whatever is required for the team. If I have to stop and play for the team, then I stop and play. If I have to hit, then I hit and play,” he said in a press conference on Tuesday.
He added: “… I can go and hit the first ball. But at the same point, I’m playing for the country, so there are a lot of responsibilities. So what are the conditions of the team? If I have to play for the team till the end, then our team planning keeps changing.
” Tilak also said, “So when you have a vice-captaincy in your name, then the team gives you something after thinking about it. So I want to take the same responsibilities that the management gives me, so I’m playing according to that.”
Tilak was named vice-captain ahead of Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan for the T20I series against Ireland and England. India lost 2-0 in Ireland and then suffered a 4-0 defeat in England, with early wickets often leaving the middle order to rebuild.
He said, “If you look at the last series, from Ireland to England, we lost four-five wickets in the powerplay. So going there and hitting and getting out doesn’t make sense.”
He also said there was no panic in the dressing room. India now turn to Zimbabwe as Shreyas Iyer looks for his first win as India T20I captain.
Also Read: India vs Zimbabwe 1st T20I Prediction
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