‘You mean I should make him play for Tilak Varma?’: Suryakumar Yadav laughs off Sanju Samson suggestion

Tilak Varma has managed 106 runs in four innings, with a strike rate of 120.45, a contrast from his usual career strike rate of 141-plus.

Published on: Feb 22, 2026, 09:07:31 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Before the 2026 T20 World Cup began, Tilak Varma was expected to be one of India's star batters. But it hasn't gone according to plan, and he has struggled in this tournament. Speaking ahead of India's Super 8 opener vs South Africa, India captain Suryakumar Yadav was asked about replacing Tilak, but he dismissed such suggestions right away.

Suryakumar Yadav was asked about replacing Tilak Varma with Sanju Samson.

Speaking in the pre-match press conference, he said, "I mean I have told him, the team management has told him that he has to bat that way. If one wicket is down, then he is definitely, he can go and have his own game in the powerplay."

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"But as soon as two wickets are down, then he has to take a little bit of backseat, get a partnership again, get to the 10th over and then we have enough firepower to continue and take on the bowling," the Indian skipper explained the rationale behind the approach although it wasn't exactly convincing."

Tilak Varma's strike rate in this tournament

He has managed 106 runs in four innings, with a strike rate of 120.45, a contrast from his usual career strike rate of 141-plus. His poor form has been reflected in his boundary-hitting ability in the tournament, and he has managed only three sixes and 11 fours.

The India captain revealed that Tilak is not happy with himself due to his high standards. "Definitely I am sure he must not be happy with how he is batting right now, I am sure. He must be and he has practised a lot as well in the last 2-3 practice sessions. But I don't have any concern regarding him. He has been delivering for India at No. 3 really well and I am very confident that he will do it better," he said.

Laughing at suggestions to replace him, he continued, "You mean, I should make him (Samson) play for Tilak?"

"It's going well in powerplay. We're making 40-50 runs. That's normal cricket. Now we've played so well in bilaterals. It happens. We also have expectations from ourselves. Expectation to make 220, 240, 250.

"But wickets are a little different here. The four wickets we have played on so far were a little different and challenging. Off-spinners were not bowling earlier but are bowling now. So we have started preparation for that and hopefully we will tackle it as we start our Super 8 journey," he added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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