India skipper Suryakumar Yadav has hailed Tilak Varma for "walking the talk," as the youngster unlocked his potential as India's new No. 3 batter with sensational back-to-back centuries that powered their 3-1 T20 International series triumph in South Africa.
Several batters have been tried in recent times at the all-important No.3 position that Virat Kohli once held, with the think tank going so far as to try out Rishabh Pant in the T20 World Cup, without much luck.
Since then, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson have each had a turn at No. 3 before Suryakumar Yadav assumed the role in skipper's hat.
But with the confidence and experience of being given the vital No. 3 slot in the last two T20Is of the series, 22-year-old Varma has solidly strangled the position in his hands.
Skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who gave way for the Mumbai Indians all-rounder, couldn't have agreed more.
"Actually, it was running in my mind that at least there has been a time when one man has batted consistently at No. 3 and has done wonders for India," Suryakumar said after India's massive 135-run win in the fourth T20I completed their 3-1 series triumph.
"So, this was a perfect opportunity for a young guy, definitely for him, who is showing a lot of promise. We both actually spoke to each other, and he took up the responsibility. He just walked the talk. The way he batted at SuperSport and here was incredible. Hope he continues, not only in T20s but all formats."
The Indians battered it back with a monstrous 283 for 1, their fifth-highest total in men's T20Is. Tilak batted a whirlwind 120 off just 47 balls, and the opening batsman Sanju Samson, who had two successive ducks in the last two games, was unbeaten on 109 off 56. Together they slammed 210 runs off 86 balls for the second wicket – the highest stand for any partnership for India in T20Is.
We even played a few T20Is before that as well. We discussed what brand and what type of cricket we wanted to present going forward, said Suryakumar, who expressed his appreciation in accepting the role with both hands.
"We play IPL for different franchises, but when we come together, we wanted to do the same thing we do for our franchise, be on the same page, and play a different brand of cricket. Post T20I WC, we just followed the same thing we did there."
It vindicated India's new supremacy in T20I cricket notwithstanding that a few months back, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja may have been on the bench but not at least too many regulars had relegated Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill to the bench.
What does it say of Indian cricket?
"I think it says a lot about how strong the base of Indian cricket is. Guys playing a lot of domestic cricket for their respective states. Guys wanting to go back and play for their states, that speaks a lot about their urge to play for their state, deliver, and keep that run," the T20I skipper said.
Samson has also impressed with his opening skills, and the issue of who to play once Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal return was termed a "good headache" by Suryakumar.
"I haven't thought that far ahead. I like to live in the moment because this is a special win, a special series victory," he said.
"When they come back, we will talk calmly (aram se). It is going to be hard, but it's a good headache to have moving forward.
\\\"Having 20-25 players in the squad and having to play 11 is a challenge, but it's a fantastic situation for any side. We'll see, the team management, selectors, and BCCI will deal with that headache. Koi dikkat nahin hai (no issues at all),"" he said.
India's designated finisher Rinku Singh was relatively quiet with just 28 runs off three innings.
"Even I did not have a good series," Suryakumar said firmly in defense of the Kolkata Knight Riders player. "If you're playing a team sport and 8 batters are batting, it would not be easy for each and every batter to score straight away. Teams would score 400 runs if every batter gets his day.".
"I have seen his hard work. Someone said good things happen to good people. It takes time and definitely comes along the way. He has delivered for India in difficult situations, and going forward, I'm sure when there is a crunch situation, he will deliver," he said.
Unbelievable feeling: Tilak
For Varma, it was an "unbelievable feeling" and he's yet to fully grasp the enormity of his achievement.
"I can't say my feelings right now. It's unbelievable. Can't imagine scoring back-to-back hundreds, that too in SA. Right now, I can't say my feelings," he said.
When asked if he would look to bat at No. 3 in the future, he said, "It's not in my hands. I got the opportunity from Surya bhai, and whatever the team needs, I try to fulfill it. I love playing at No. 3, but I'm ready for any role," he said.
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