IND vs SA 2025: Tilak Varma backs flexible batting order after Axar Patel’s promotion

In the aftermath of India’s loss to South Africa in the second T20I, significant attention has been drawn to India’s batting-order decisions, particularly the move to promote Axar Patel to No. 3. The all-rounder managed a run-a-ball 21, prompting debate over whether a more established batter could have capitalised better on the situation.

Addressing questions surrounding India’s batting approach ahead of the third T20I, middle-order batter Tilak Varma, who struck a valiant 62 in the defeat, emphasised the importance of situational awareness and clear role definition within the team.

“Everyone is flexible, except the openers. I’m up for batting at 3, 4, 5, or 6, wherever I get a chance. Everyone knows that everyone is flexible in [the batting] order,” said Varma as quoted by ICC.

The 23-year-old has primarily batted at No. 3 or No. 4 for India, positions in which he has enjoyed considerable success. Both of his T20I centuries came from the No. 3 spot, achieved against South Africa in November last year. He was also in fine form during the Asia Cup 2025, where he featured mainly at No. 4 but moved down the order when the situation demanded. Varma finished the tournament with 213 runs, including a crucial unbeaten 69 in the final, played under pressure during India’s chase against Pakistan.

Speaking specifically about Axar, Varma pointed to past instances where the decision to promote the all-rounder has paid dividends. He highlighted the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final as a key example, where Axar batted at No. 5 and produced a vital 47 off 31 balls to accelerate India’s scoring rate in a high-pressure encounter.

Reinforcing the idea of a flexible batting order, Varma emphasised that the focus remains on sticking to the basics and adapting to match situations. India will next take on South Africa in the third T20I of the series at Dharamshala on December 14.

“As you can see, Axar Patel has already done the same thing in the (T20) World Cup. And he has done well in that position as well. Like I said, everyone is flexible. And the decision that the team feels it's going to be beneficial that day, we take that call,” said Varma.

“We've been practicing since childhood. So there's not much effect in practice. Because we follow the basics. Like I said, it makes a big difference in the mindset. If you're mentally strong, you'll be successful everywhere. So in my mind, I just want to be mentally strong. And wherever I go, I just think about what I can do for the team,” he added.