A former India opener and former BCCI chief selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth has launched a scathing criticism of Tilak Varma after India's disastrous batting collapse in the third T20I against England in Nottingham.
India was bowled out for just 76 runs, the lowest total of T20I men in England, with their batting group under pressure. The defeat extended India's bad run in T20 internationals, with the team now having lost four consecutive full T20Is across their tours of Ireland and England.
The alarming slump has put India's batting department under intense scrutiny and Srikkanth singled out vice-captain Tilak Varma for particularly harsh criticism.
Srikkanth Calls Tilak Varma 'Clueless'
Srikkanth on his YouTube channel questioned India's continued backing of Tilak Varma, especially against high-quality pace bowling.
"He's already the vice-captain, and it looks like he'll soon become the captain also. Tilak Varma might have himself said he doesn't want to go out, seeing the pace and bounce. Tilak Varma is clueless."
The former World Cup winner was especially critical of India's decision to put Axar Patel ahead of Tilak Varma in the batting order.
"You make Tilak Varma your main batter and vice-captain. But you shield him against fast bowling? They are putting Axar Patel ahead of him. They are trying to shield Tilak Varma because they know he’s vulnerable against short-pitched bowling."
Srikkanth added that he had repeatedly argued for Tilak Varma to be dropped from the side.
"I’ve been saying he should be dropped. But they don’t drop him."
Tilak's Struggles Against Short-Pitched Bowling
Tilak Varma’s problems were evident in the third T20I, where he managed only 3 runs from 11 balls. The left-hander appeared uncomfortable against England’s pace attack and struggled to handle the short-pitched deliveries directed at him.
His brief innings were an indication of the broader problems faced by India’s batting lineup as none of the players were able to generate momentum on a lively Nottingham surface.
The collapse to 76, though, has raised serious questions about the team's adaptability in overseas conditions, particularly against fast bowlers who can generate pace and bounce.
Srikkanth Backs Sanju Samson's Return
Srikkanth also expressed his preference for Sanju Samson over Tilak Varma in India's T20I playing XI.
"I’d rather play Sanju Samson himself instead of Tilak Varma."
Samson had been dropped from the side after three consecutive failures against Ireland and England to make way for 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. But with Sooryavanshi also struggling to make a significant contribution, there is growing speculation that Samson could be recalled for the remaining matches.
India Face Must-Win Situation
India is now placed in a very difficult position to win the last two T20Is to avoid a second consecutive T20I series defeat. The team management will have to make tough decisions about the batting order and the personnel they must get right for the rest of the series.
But Srikkanth’s comments have also put pressure on Tilak Varma, and they are also indicative of the wider concerns about India’s batting stability. The last two games of the series will be vital for not only the result but also for the confidence of the team.
