Tilak Varma's recent performances in T20Is have come under intense scrutiny, especially after India's crushing 125-run defeat to England in the third T20I at Trent Bridge. The left-hander has struggled to score fluently in the middle overs and has repeatedly found it difficult to dominate spin. However, despite the criticism surrounding his batting, reports suggest his place in India's T20I setup remains secure.
According to Dainik Jagran journalist Abhishek Tripathi, Tilak Varma enjoys the backing of both chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir, making him one of the management's preferred players.
The numbers paint a worrying picture. During the ongoing UK tour, Tilak Varma has managed scores of 3 (11), 24* (11), 13 (13), 55 (46), and 19 (21)*.
Although the unbeaten 24 came at a brisk pace, the rest of his innings have lacked the intent expected from a middle-order T20 batter. His 55 also came off 46 deliveries, an innings that drew criticism for its relatively slow scoring rate in the shortest format. The struggles are not limited to the England series.
Across his last eight innings at various levels, Tilak's scores read 3, 24*, 13, 55, 19, 67, 59 and 23*, with the latter three knocks for India A also coming at a tempo that left room for improvement. His inability to consistently accelerate has become a recurring theme.
Despite this dip, Tilak's overall T20I record remains impressive on paper. In 54 matches, he has scored 1,504 runs at an average of 42.97 and a strike rate of 142.28, including two centuries and seven fifties. Those career numbers continue to work in his favour, even though his recent form suggests he is yet to find his best rhythm in 2026.
Tilak Varma is struggling badly against spinners
Perhaps the biggest concern in Tilak's game is his performance against spin bowling. In 2026 T20Is, he has scored 90 runs from 98 balls against spinners, getting dismissed four times. That translates to an average of 22.5 and a strike rate of just 91.8, numbers that are far below the standard expected from a specialist middle-order batter.
Those struggles were once again exposed in the third T20I against England. Chasing a daunting target of 202, Tilak managed only 3 off 11 balls before falling to off-spinner Will Jacks.
Attempting to break the shackles, he charged down the pitch but was beaten in flight, allowing Jos Buttler to complete a stumping after a nervy moment behind the stumps. The dismissal highlighted a pattern that has become increasingly evident this year.
Opposing teams have started using spin against Tilak in the middle overs, knowing he has struggled to rotate strike and find boundaries. For a batter expected to control that phase of the innings, a strike rate below 100 against spin is a major concern and something India will need him to address quickly.
Why will Tilak Varma not be dropped from T20Is? Explained
Despite the criticism surrounding his batting, there are strong indications that Tilak's place in the Indian side remains safe for now.
As per Abhishek Tripathi, the left-hander enjoys significant backing from both Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir, with his vice-captaincy further reinforcing the management's long-term investment in him. In modern cricket, leadership roles often signal stability, and dropping a designated vice-captain after a short lean patch would send mixed messages about the team's planning.
"Tilak Varma's backing is extremely strong; that is why he became vice-captain. Making him vice-captain means you will think twice before dropping him from the playing XI. Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir both like Tilak Varma as well," he said during a conversation on RaySportz.
While there has been no official confirmation from the BCCI regarding the claim, it helps explain why Tilak is unlikely to lose his place despite an extended lean patch.
Abhishek Tripathi on Tilak Varma's Vice Captaincy. -Tilak Varma has very strong backing, which is why he has been appointed vice-captain.-Both the chief selector and the head coach like him.#INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/gVWitwxNth
— Indian Cricket ? (@navshar54008403) July 7, 2026That does not mean Tilak's performances have been beyond criticism. India's middle order needs players who can dominate spin, maintain momentum through the middle overs and finish innings strongly. So far in 2026, Tilak has struggled in that role, particularly against slower bowlers. From a cricketing perspective, there is also a strong argument that Sanju Samson deserves another opportunity in the playing XI.
Samson was India's Player of the Tournament during the 2026 T20 World Cup and has already shown he can produce match-winning knocks under pressure. With Tilak enduring a prolonged struggle against spin, India's management could consider bringing Samson back into the side to strengthen the batting order.
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