Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan was not impressed with Tilak Varma’s slow batting in the T20 World Cup 2026 match against the Netherlands. The cricketer-turned-commentator said that the Ahmedabad pitch offered better conditions and added that he expected the left-hander to bat with a better strike rate.
India beat the Netherlands by 17 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, February 18. Tilak scored 31 runs from 27 balls as India posted a total of 193 runs. The left-handed batter has scored 106 runs in four innings at an average of 26.50 and a disappointing strike rate of 120.45.
Tilak Varma’s Strike Rate Should Have Been Better – Irfan Pathan
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Irfan Pathan said that he expected more intent from Tilak Varma against the Dutch. Pathan stated that the Ahmedabad pitch was much better for batting and that Tilak should have increased his scoring rate.
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“As far as Tilak’s batting is concerned, I had certain expectations. The way he was batting in Sri Lanka, you could see that he was playing with awareness and responsibility,” Pathan said.
“Ishan Kishan was scoring quickly, so Tilak was batting at around a strike rate of 100 because he did not want to lose his wicket. However, in Ahmedabad, I expected more from Tilak Varma. His strike rate should have been better because the pitch was better. That is something he will need to focus on,” he added.
It Becomes Comparatively Easier for the Opposition – Irfan Pathan
The former cricketer raised a concern for India ahead of the South Africa clash. Pathan pointed out that having three left-handers at the top could make it easier for opponents to plan their bowling and field settings.
“In the next match against South Africa, there will be a few tactical battles. But according to me, the most crucial tactical point concerns Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Tilak Varma. All three are left-handers. What happens when three left-handers come one after another is that it becomes comparatively easier for the opposition to plan their strategy,” Pathan said.
Could Suryakumar Yadav Bat at Number Three? – Irfan Pathan Suggests Demoting Tilak Varma
In the same video, Irfan Pathan said that teams have been using early off-spin to exploit India’s left-heavy top order. He stated that promoting Suryakumar Yadav to No. 3 could break the pattern and counter that tactic.
“Against South Africa, Aiden Markram could come on to bowl, even though he is not a pure bowler, similar to Aryan Dutt. So from that perspective, would you want to break this lefthand combination? Could Surya bat at number three? Could that be a tactical move?”
“If not against South Africa in Ahmedabad, where the pitch does not grip much, then perhaps at a venue like Sri Lanka where the ball grips more. Would you consider promoting Suryakumar Yadav up the order and pushing Tilak to number four? Is that something you would want to try? In my opinion, it should be considered,” he added.
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