Overview
- Tilak Varma confirmed on Sunday that he has accepted a regular role at No.5/6 and says he enjoys finishing matches for India.
- The change follows a crowded top order with Ishan Kishan established at No.3 and Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson used as the opening pair, leaving fewer spots higher up.
- Recent match data cited by multiple reports show strong returns from the lower middle order, with Varma averaging 65.66 in nine innings at No.6 and 46 across 26 innings at Nos.5–6.
- Varma says he has adapted his nets work and shot selection to the finisher role and that one to two days of practice lets him switch between top‑order and lower‑order duties.
- India view the move as positive for balance because the side has regularly posted 200-plus totals recently and now heads to an all‑format tour of New Zealand with Varma available as a versatile late‑overs option.