We will take responsibility - Tilak Varma on middle order’s gameplan ahead of Namibia clash

India's top-order had a bit of a shake-up against USA in both the teams’ T20 World Cup 2026 opener, when they lost four wickets within the powerplay.

Tilak Varma was promoted in the batting order and did get quite a few runs before India walked into a shaky situation. However, Suryakumar Yadav's defining half-century saved the day for the Men in Blue as they seized the bragging rights without much fuss.

Talking at the pre-match presser on the eve of India’s clash against Namibia, Tilak Varma opened up on Gautam Gambhir’s advice ahead of the crucial battle in New Delhi. Revealing Gambhir’s words on caution, Varma said, “Head coach has asked us to play cautiously if wickets fall in a cluster like it did against USA. Suryakumar bhai and I can perform the role of anchor if needed."

Shedding light on the individual roles assigned, Varma added, “We have discussed that we have done well on numbers three and four, especially me and Surya as we can find gaps in the overs, as Abhishek hits sixes, while Ishan, Sanju bhai and rest of the batters are powerful. The role of a batter in between of it is very important.”

He concluded by saying, “I think that the team that plays well between 6 and 16 overs wins the tournament. That's why we are taking the responsibility to play at three and four. We have discussed that we will take the responsibility and manage the pressure situation and give the role to the other finishers and that's the plan.”