‘You Want Me To Drop Tilak Varma?’ Suryakumar Yadav Dismisses Samson Debate

Suryakumar Yadav defended Tilak Varma’s role and dismissed calls to include Sanju Samson, explaining India’s middle-overs strategy.

Tilak Varma entered the 2026 T20 World Cup as a key batting prospect for India, but his campaign has lacked impact. Ahead of the Super 8 opener against South Africa, captain Suryakumar Yadav dismissed calls to replace Tilak Varma. He said the team management has defined a clear role for Tilak in different match situations.

If only one wicket falls early, Tilak can play freely and score in the powerplay. However, if two wickets fall, he must steady the innings and build a partnership. The plan is to bat cautiously until the 10th over. India then relies on their finishing power to accelerate later.

“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. 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,” Suryakumar revealed in the pre-match press conference.

“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 added.

The skipper also dismissed suggestions of replacing him with Sanju Samson.

“You mean, I should make him (Samson) play for Tilak?” Suryakumar questioned, laughing at the suggestion.

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India continues to score 40–50 runs in the power play, which the team considers normal. Surfaces have been challenging, with more off-spin in play. The side has begun specific preparation ahead of the Super 8 stage.

“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,” the skipper concluded.