Indiathe young man is left-handed Tilak Varma is going through an ongoing difficult phase T20 World Cup 2026with expectations heavy on their shoulders. After an impressive build-up to the tournament, the flamboyant outfielder struggled to convert starts into effective innings when the team needed him the most.
Tilak Varma on form and mounting pressure
In the group stage, Tilak recorded the same score of 25 as his opponent USA, Namibia and Pakistanfollowed by 31 against The Netherlands. While these tattoos exuded composure, they lacked the fluidity and authority that fans have come to associate with his batting. The real failure came in the clash against Super 8 South Africahe managed just 1 run before falling cheaply.
So far, Tilak has scored 107 runs in the tournament at a strike rate of 118.88 – an eyebrow-raising number in a format dominated by aggressive wickets. With India relying on a balanced approach in the middle order, his inability to play a certain stroke has fueled scrutiny around his role.
Muhammad Kaif reveals how Tilak could rediscover his rhythm
Former Indian cricketer Muhammad Kaif believes that the solution is not to force major strikes, but to accept responsibility. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kaif suggested that Tilak should resist outside noise and stick to his natural game.
“Tilak Varman has a unique style of playing. He has the ability to play with a slow shot. However, he came out with a big shot. There was pressure on him because of the speed of the shot. As a player, you follow what is being said. But it is the management’s job to ask the player to stick to his role.” Kaif noted.
Kaif then advised Tilak to model his approach accordingly Virat Kohliwho later retired from T20 internationals T20 World Cup 2024. Kohli had mastered the art of anchoring the batting, absorbing the pressure and guiding India through tough chases.
“He has to play the role of Virat Kohli. He walked away from the game and went for a big shot. If you listen to what other people say, you will never play.” Kaif added.
According to Kaif, India’s current XI already boasts of explosive batsmen Abhishek SharmaIshan Kishan, Washington Sundar, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya and Rinku Singh. What the team lacks, he believes, is a willingness to take shots from deep and 20-plus shots.
“To be a master chaser you have to bat till the 20th over first. Tilak Varma came out early, tried to bat. What is your role? Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Washington Sundar, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya and Rinku Singh play attacking cricket. There has to be at least one player who can take the game from deep.” Kaif emphasized.
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India’s semi-final hopes hang by a thread
Tilak’s form concerns come at a time when the team itself is under immense pressure. India are in a precarious position in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after their 76-run loss to South Africa on February 22, 2026. It was India’s heaviest loss in T20 World Cup history.
The heavy margin has severely depressed India’s Net Run Rate which is now at an alarming -3.80. In a tightly contested Super Eight group, such a deficit could prove fatal in the event of a three-way tie.
To stay alive in the tournament, India now need to win their remaining Super Eight matches against Zimbabwe and West Indies and do so convincingly. Big margin wins are essential to fix their NRR and keep their semi-final hopes alive.
Also READ: 3 Reasons Why India Lose To South Africa In T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 Clash
