Ready to play anchor role when required: Tilak

In a batting order bristling with flamboyant strokemakers, Tilak Varma is ready to rein himself in when needed. The 23-year-old has shown that ability already in his fledgling international career, most notably when he successfully steered India to a chase of 147 against Pakistan in the 2025 Asia Cup final with an unbeaten 69 off 53 deliveries.

“I believe the middle overs are very important and should be handled by a settled batter. I try to take the game deep, especially when we are chasing. We have a lot of power-hitters all the way down to No. 8, so someone needs to anchor the innings in the middle phase. I take that pressure on myself to be that batter. Others hit anyway. Every match is different — the wicket, the conditions, and the bowlers. So, I focus on the present and react to the situation,” Tilak said at a press conference on the eve of India’s Group A joust against Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

India saw the downside of an ultra-aggressive approach when a host of batters succumbed to big shots against the USA in Mumbai. From 77 for six, Suryakumar Yadav’s unbeaten 84 proved pivotal in setting up a 29-run win.

Trying to make sense of the early collapse, Tilak said: “When Abhishek [Sharma] got out, I went in and felt that the ball was coming nicely onto the bat. I thought the wicket was fine, but actually it wasn’t. I was just in that flow. Unfortunately, it happens. After a few wickets fell, we realised we had assessed the pitch a bit late. But the way Suryakumar played was a masterclass. That’s the strength of this team. We haven’t lost a bilateral series [since the last T20 World Cup] because someone always takes responsibility”.