Tilak Varma's Transformation: Now, A Batter Unafraid Of Exploring Non-conventional Scoring Methods

When Tilak Varma came to bat in fourth T20I at Johannesburg, South African skipper Aiden Markram brought on Keshav Maharaj, a move that seemed questionable given match-up — left-arm spinner versus left-handed batter.

Perhaps, Tilak’s struggle against Axar Patel in an IPL 2024 match between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals was playing on Markram’s mind.

Tilak, however, soon exposed folly behind that thought — carting two sixes in fourth and fifth balls he faced off Maharaj.

Similarly, pacer Andile Sipamala followed common strategy of pitching ball full and wide outside off-stump to keep it outside batsman’s reach.

But Tilak moved across stumps, went down on his knee and swept last ball of 19th over for a boundary to square leg.

All those three shots were exceptional in ir execution, but y also showcased a transformed Tilak – a batter not shy of exploring unconventional methods to score runs.

“When he started training at my acemy, we never really encouraged him to play such shots. I think a batsman should start with perfecting his tritional technique before playing all those modern shots,” tells Salam Bayash, his childhood coach.

But once stepped into top-flight cricket mid-last year against West Indies, Tilak realised need to d more dimensions to his batting, particularly in T20 format.

thought dawned on him after playing alongside Suryakumar Yav at Mumbai Indians, and watching him perfecting those 360-degree shots at nets.

“He always h confidence and skill. It was just about practising some of those shots at nets, so that he could pull m off in real-match situations consistently.

“So, he worked on m at nets, particularly during this IPL and even after that while he came back from (wrist) injury.

“He was also keen to d some power behind those shots and worked in that direction as well,” said Bayash.

It was evident in his batting on Friday night when he smoked 10 sixes in his 47-ball hundred, one more than a more accomplished six-hitter like Sanju Samson , who biffed nine sixes in his 56-ball century.

A smidgeon of credit too should be given to skipper Suryakumar for promoting Tilak up to No. 3 after two engaged in a deep parley ahe of series.

“It was actually running in my mind that re has been a time when one man ( Virat Kohli ) has batted consistently at number three and done wonders for India. So, this was a perfect opportunity for a young guy.

“We both actually spoke to each or and said, I think it's perfect time for someone like you to bat at number three, take that responsibility, not only now, but going forward as well and he just walked talk. way he batted at Supersport Park (Centurion) and here was incredible,” Suryakumar said during post-match press meet after fourth T20I.

“I hope he continues to do same things, not only in T20 cricket, but in all formats for India,” he ded.

Bayash agreed. “ move up order is quite good for him. He can face a lot more balls than while coming to bat at No. 4 or No. 5.

“It will change his mindset. It can give him a free mind and he can go for his shots. We have alrey seen two hundreds from him. I am sure it is just beginning for him,” he noted.

For Tilak, getting a hundred at fabled Wanderers, where some of legends like Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers played course-changing innings in past, was a dream.

“I never imagined that such big legends scored here and actually one more name, my name, is going to be ded re. I used to watch se players on television in my childhood. So, it's really motivating for me,” said Tilak.

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