Tilak Varma's slow scoring at number 3 may hurt India in T20 World Cup 2026

Tilak Varma's strike rate at number 3 is 130.41, lower than his overall rate. This could slow India's scoring in the T20 World Cup 2026.
By Newsroom | Cricket, India |

Recent performances and pre-tournament injury concerns surrounding Tilak Varma have sparked debate regarding his potential influence on India's T20 World Cup 2026 campaign. The timing of these discussions, following the Asia Cup final and with the tournament's Super 8 stage approaching, amplifies the focus on Varma's batting approach and his readiness to contribute to the team's momentum.

T20 World Cup 2026: Is Tilak Varma's approach hurting India's momentum? Post-Asia Cup final numbers raise eyebrows - 1

Pre-Tournament Form and Injury Setback

Prior to the T20 World Cup 2026, Tilak Varma faced a period of uncertainty due to an abdominal issue requiring surgery. This led to him missing the first three T20 Internationals against New Zealand in January 2026. Despite this absence, he was named in India's 15-member squad, indicating a level of belief from the selection committee. He was slated to play warm-up matches, including one for an India A side against USA on February 2, and a national warm-up against South Africa on February 4, following his recovery. This suggests an effort to reintegrate him into match play before the main tournament.

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T20 World Cup 2026: Is Tilak Varma's approach hurting India's momentum? Post-Asia Cup final numbers raise eyebrows - 2

  • Tilak Varma underwent surgery for an abdominal issue on January 7, 2026, and was discharged on January 8.

  • He was ruled out of the first three T20Is against New Zealand, but his participation in warm-up games was planned to assess his fitness.

  • India's middle order has historically shown instability, making Varma's selection a deliberate choice over a more cautious approach.

Batting Approach and Strike Rate Concerns

Questions have been raised about Tilak Varma's strike rate and his ability to accelerate his innings, particularly in the middle overs. In the Asia Cup final, he scored 69 runs from 53 balls, a performance noted for chasing a competitive total under pressure. However, some analyses suggest that his scoring rate could be improved. For instance, during a match against the Netherlands where India posted 193, Varma's 31 runs came off 27 balls. This was seen as a phase where the team needed stability after an early setback, but the focus remains on whether he can shift gears more effectively.

T20 World Cup 2026: Is Tilak Varma's approach hurting India's momentum? Post-Asia Cup final numbers raise eyebrows - 3

  • In the Asia Cup final, Tilak Varma scored 69 off 53 balls.

  • Against the Netherlands, his contribution was 31 off 27 balls, during a phase requiring consolidation.

  • Concerns exist about his ability to increase his scoring tempo after facing the initial 20 deliveries of his innings.

Middle Overs Performance

Data analysis points to a potential issue with Varma's strike rate in the middle overs. While his overall strike rate is a point of discussion, specific numbers from his role at the number three position suggest a dip. When batting at number three, excluding two centuries scored in South Africa, his strike rate reportedly falls from 152.47 to 130.41. During these specific innings, he has faced 28 deliveries at this position, scoring only one boundary and being dismissed twice.

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T20 World Cup 2026: Is Tilak Varma's approach hurting India's momentum? Post-Asia Cup final numbers raise eyebrows - 4

  • At No. 3, excluding two centuries, Varma's strike rate is reported as 130.41.

  • He has faced 28 balls at No. 3 in this period, hitting one boundary and being dismissed twice.

  • Across middle overs, Varma's strike rate is noted at 86.48, with only two boundaries.

Role at Number Three

The T20 World Cup 2026 sees Tilak Varma often batting at the number three position for India. This role typically demands a balance between building an innings and maintaining a high scoring rate. Critics argue that Varma has faced difficulties in shifting gears at this crucial batting position. Reports indicate that in several of his innings, he has struggled to increase his tempo even after facing a significant number of deliveries.

  • Tilak Varma bats at the number three position for India in the T20 World Cup.

  • The expectation at this position is to increase the scoring tempo in the middle overs.

  • Evidence suggests an inability to consistently ramp up his scoring rate after playing the first 20 deliveries.

Squad Selection and Tournament Outlook

India's decision to include Tilak Varma in the T20 World Cup squad, despite his recent injury and a lack of T20 matches played in the current year before the World Cup, represents a selection based on belief in his potential rather than current match fitness alone. This "belief over safety" approach highlights the team's existing middle-order instability. The selection could be a defining factor for India's performance in the tournament.

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  • Tilak Varma has not played a single T20 match this year prior to being selected for the World Cup.

  • The team management has opted for Varma based on perceived potential amidst a historically unstable middle order.

  • His inclusion is seen as a calculated risk that could significantly impact India's tournament outcome.

Sources:

  • Hindustantimes.com: https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/is-tilak-varma-slowing-india-down-post-asia-cup-2025-final-numbers-fuel-fresh-batting-order-debate-101771505658723.html - This article discusses Tilak Varma's batting approach and strike rate following the Asia Cup final.

  • Sportskeeda.com: https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/3-reasons-tilak-varma-s-scratchy-form-major-concern-india-ahead-super-8s-t20-world-cup-2026 - This article outlines reasons for concern regarding Varma's form ahead of the Super 8s, focusing on his strike rate and ability to switch gears.

  • Khelnow.com: https://khelnow.com/cricket/why-tilak-varma-inconsistent-form-issue-for-india-t20-world-cup-202602 - This piece examines Varma's inconsistent form and his struggles to increase his tempo while batting at number three.

  • Cricketory.com: https://www.cricketory.com/2026/01/tilak-varma-injury-update-will-he-part-of-india-world-cup-squad.html - This article covers Tilak Varma's return from surgery and the team's selection strategy for the World Cup.

  • ICC-cricket.com: https://www.icc-cricket.com/tournaments/mens-t20-world-cup-2026/news/india-batter-to-miss-three-t20is-against-new-zealand - This report from the ICC details Varma's injury and his subsequent unavailability for parts of the New Zealand series.

  • Zeenews.india.com: https://zeenews.india.com/cricket/big-blow-for-team-india-ahead-of-t20-world-cup-2026-as-tilak-varma-set-to-miss-nz-t20is-3004345.html - This article discusses the impact of Varma's injury on India's World Cup plans.

  • Timesnownews.com: https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/cricket/will-tilak-varma-play-t20-world-cup-2026-after-being-ruled-out-of-t20i-series-vs-new-zealand-article-153417990 - This report questions Varma's availability for the World Cup after his injury layoff and lists the squads.

  • ESPNcricinfo.com: https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/india-s-tilak-varma-to-play-warm-ups-before-t20-world-cup-2026-1521768 - This article confirms Tilak Varma's plan to participate in warm-up games after missing the New Zealand series due to injury.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Tilak Varma's batting at number 3 a worry for India in the T20 World Cup 2026?
Tilak Varma's strike rate when batting at number 3 is lower than expected, especially after facing the first 20 balls. This means he might not score quickly enough in important middle overs, which could affect India's total score in the T20 World Cup 2026.
Q: How did Tilak Varma perform in the Asia Cup final and against the Netherlands?
In the Asia Cup final in 2025, Tilak Varma scored 69 runs from 53 balls. Against the Netherlands, he scored 31 runs off 27 balls. While these scores were steady, some experts feel he needs to score faster, especially when the team needs quick runs.
Q: What is Tilak Varma's strike rate in the middle overs?
Concerns exist about Tilak Varma's strike rate in the middle overs. Data shows his strike rate can drop significantly, with only two boundaries scored in a specific period. This suggests he might struggle to hit boundaries and increase the scoring pace when needed.
Q: Did Tilak Varma have injury problems before the T20 World Cup 2026?
Yes, Tilak Varma had surgery for an abdominal issue on January 7, 2026, and missed the first three T20 matches against New Zealand. He was expected to play warm-up games to get back to match fitness before the T20 World Cup 2026.
Q: Why was Tilak Varma chosen for the T20 World Cup 2026 squad despite his injury and lack of recent matches?
India's team management chose Tilak Varma based on his potential, especially because the team's middle order has been unstable. This selection is seen as a risk, showing belief in his abilities over current match form, which could be important for India's performance.