Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan was unimpressed with Tilak Varma’s slow batting in the T20 World Cup 2026 match against Netherlands. The cricketer turned commentator said the pitch in Ahmedabad offered better conditions and added that he expected the left-hander to bat at a better strike rate.
India defeated the Netherlands by 17 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, February 18. Tilak scored 31 runs off 27 balls as India scored a total of 193 runs. The left-handed batsman scored 106 runs in four innings at an average of 26.50 and a disappointing strike percentage of 120.45.
Tilak Varma’s strike rate should have been better – Irfan Pathan
Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube channel that he expected more intent from Tilak Varma against the Dutch. Pathan stated that the pitch in Ahmedabad was much better for batting and Tilak should have increased his scoring rate.
“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 scored quickly so Tilak batted at a strike rate of around 100 as 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 have to concentrate on,” he added.
It will be relatively easier for the opposition – Irfan Pathan
The former cricketer expressed his concerns about India ahead of the clash in South Africa. Pathan pointed out that having three left-handers up top could make it easier for opponents to plan their bowling and fielding settings.
“In the next match against South Africa, there will be a few tactical battles. But I think the most crucial tactical point involves Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma. All three are left-handed. What happens when three left-handers come one after the other is that it becomes relatively 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 teams have used early off-spin to exploit India’s left-heavy top position. He stated that promoting Suryakumar Yadav to number 3 could break the pattern and counter that tactic.
“Against South Africa, Aiden Markram could bowl even though he is not a pure bowler, similar to Aryan Dutt. So from that perspective, would you like to break this left-handed combination? Could Surya bat at number three? Could that be a tactical move?”
“If not against South Africa in Ahmedabad where the pitch doesn’t have much grip, then maybe at a venue like Sri Lanka where the ball has more grip. Would you consider promoting Suryakumar Yadav higher up and pushing Tilak to fourth? Is that something you would like to try? In my opinion, it should be considered,” he added.
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