120 strike rate, just three sixes: Suryakumar Yadav says Tilak Varma 'told to bat that way' in T20 World Cup
Times of India
by TOI SPORTS DESKFebruary 21, 2026
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India captain Suryakumar Yadav has come to the defense of Tilak Varma, whose performance in the T20 World Cup league stage has been modest despite a strike rate of over 120. Speaking during a press conference ahead of India's match against South Africa, Surya explained that Varma’s approach is part of a defined team strategy. He emphasized that Varma is following instructions from the team management to play a more controlled role, especially when one or two wickets have fallen, focusing on building partnerships and maintaining steady scoring rather than going for high-risk shots.
Varma's strike rate has dropped to the 120s in this tournament, compared to his career-high of over 141. He has struggled against slow bowlers on gripping surfaces, managing only 11 boundaries and three sixes across four matches. Surya acknowledged that Varma is likely not happy with his current performance but remains confident in his abilities as a key player in the middle order. The Indian skipper also dismissed speculation about replacing Varma with Sanju Samson, stating that there are no plans to make such changes.
Suryakumar highlighted India’s consistent scoring in the powerplay, averaging 40-50 runs per innings, and expressed confidence in the team's ability to adapt to challenging conditions. He noted that the team expects to score competitive totals but recognizes the difficulty of achieving high scores on World Cup surfaces where off-spinners are more prevalent. The Indian captain also praised his bowling unit, expressing faith in their ability to defend totals around 175-180 and secure victories.
This situation underscores the importance of strategic batting and team dynamics in high-stakes tournaments like the T20 World Cup. Suryakumar’s support for Varma reflects a broader focus on maintaining consistency and partnerships rather than individual performances. The Indian cricket team’s approach to balancing aggression with caution will be crucial as they navigate the challenges of the tournament’s later stages, particularly in the Super 8s.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/21/2026