India vice-captain Tilak Varma has addressed the criticism that followed his performances during the recent T20I tour of Ireland and England, saying his approach at the crease is driven by the team’s requirements rather than personal milestones.

The 23-year-old batter entered the UK tour with added responsibility after being appointed India’s T20I vice-captain ahead of experienced names like Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan. While the promotion reflected the team’s faith in him, the series proved challenging for both Tilak and the Indian side, which failed to register a single T20I victory.

With India now preparing for a three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe starting on July 23, Tilak has explained the thinking behind his batting style and responded to criticism over his strike rate.

Tilak Varma explains his batting approach

During the tour, Tilak faced scrutiny on social media, with many questioning his scoring rate and ability against spin bowling. Although he produced useful contributions with the bat, several observers felt he slowed the innings at crucial moments.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference before the opening T20I against Zimbabwe, Tilak said his role changes depending on the match situation and that he cannot always attack from the outset.

“In this game, you have to bat in different places, and especially in such conditions, it’s not easy. At the same time, I always say that I do whatever is required for the team. If I have to grind it out and play for the team, I do. If I have to hit from ball number one, then I do that. So at that time, in the conditions of the team, if you look at it, from Ireland to England, you always had four to five wickets falling inside the powerplay or the first 10 overs,” Tilak told reporters in the pre-match press conference.

‘I’m Playing for the Country’: Tilak on vice-captaincy

Tilak also spoke about the responsibility that comes with being India’s vice-captain, saying his decisions at the crease are influenced by the team’s needs rather than individual intent. He stressed that trying to accelerate immediately after arriving at the crease is not always the right option, especially when the top order has already suffered early setbacks.

“So going there and then getting out in trying to accelerate, it doesn’t make sense. So that’s what I always have in my mind, that I can go and hit the first ball. But at the same time, 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, our team’s plans keep changing. When you are the vice-captain, 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,” he added.

His comments underline the expectations attached to his leadership role and the trust placed in him by the team management.

Tilak Varma’s numbers on the UK tour

Despite the criticism, Tilak managed to make useful contributions with the bat during the tour. The left-hander scored 178 runs in seven T20Is, including two half-centuries. One fifty came against Ireland, while the other was registered against England.

His highest score of the tour was 55, which came in the second T20I against Ireland in Belfast. Although the innings showed glimpses of his quality, India’s overall results overshadowed those performances.

Also Read | Ravi Ashwin explains why dropping Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli is not easy after the retirement buzz

India eye fresh start against Zimbabwe

India endured a difficult tour under captain Shreyas Iyer, losing the T20I series 2-0 to Ireland before suffering a 4-0 defeat against England. The upcoming Zimbabwe series presents an opportunity for the visitors to reset after a disappointing run and also gives Shreyas the chance to secure his first victory as India’s T20I captain.

Looking ahead to the new challenge, Tilak said the team has learned valuable lessons from the previous tour and is focused on improving its performances.

“Honestly, it has been a big learning experience since the last series. We are just looking ahead, sticking to our basics, and doing well in the upcoming series. Obviously, if you see everyone has played enough domestic cricket and A-series just before this, so they are ready to play the series, and it’s just a different, it’s just the same thing, but just a bigger stage,” Tilak said.

Also Read | The Hundred 2026: Where to watch live, opening match, schedule and key details

VVS Laxman to guide India during Zimbabwe tour

India will be without head coach Gautam Gambhir for the Zimbabwe tour. In his absence, VVS Laxman will supervise the team’s preparations and oversee the squad during the three-match T20I series.

With a fresh assignment beginning on July 23, India will look to put the disappointments of the UK tour behind them, while Tilak Varma aims to make a stronger impact with both bat and leadership responsibilities.

FAQs

What did Tilak Varma say about criticism after the UK tour?

Tilak said he plays according to the team’s needs and cannot always attack from the first ball, especially when the match situation demands caution.

When does India’s T20I series against Zimbabwe begin?

India’s three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe begins on July 23, with Shreyas Iyer leading the side.