Not slow and steady, India need the 2024 version of Tilak Varma in Super 8s
India Today
T20 World Cup: India cruised through a manageable group stage, but the real test begins now. Against South Africa and tougher Super 8 opponents, Tilak Varma may need to rediscover his 2024 tempo, not just his anchor role.
“Picture abhi baaki hai, mere dost.”
Tilak Varma’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign feels exactly like that line. The promise is still there, the talent unquestioned, but the spark has flickered more than it has flared.
India walk into their Super 8 clash against South Africa in Ahmedabad unbeaten. On the surface, it looks comfortable. Underneath, there is a sense that the batting unit has not quite hit cruising speed.
Let's be fair, India’s group stage of the T20 World Cup 2026 passed without too many scars. The wins came against USA, Namibia, the Netherlands and Pakistan. Apart from Pakistan, the other three opponents still have ground to cover before being labelled genuine threats to the defending champions at this level.
While this does not take anything away from their own World Cup journeys, India did what was required – stayed unbeaten, and moved on without drama.
It is now in this Super 8s stage that Tilak Varma’s role becomes pivotal. Tilak Varma at no.3 will be crucial for India in Super 8s. (Photo: PTI)
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