Harare: Tilak Varma addresses strike rate criticism ahead of Zimbabwe series

By Karan Malhotra — 21 July 2026 — 3 min read

India aims to regain momentum

India is looking to regain its winning momentum as it prepares for the upcoming Zimbabwe series. The team has faced recent setbacks, including two T20I series defeats against Ireland and England. Vice-captain Tilak Varma highlighted the importance of executing plans and rediscovering their form in the shortest format of the game.

The team has been winless in its last seven T20I matches, losing both games to Ireland and then a 4-0 clean sweep by England in a five-match series. Varma stated that the team is focused on learning from these experiences and performing well in the new series. He emphasised the need to adapt quickly to conditions and play their best cricket.

For the upcoming series, India has brought in three new players: pacers Yash Thakur and Ashok Sharma, and opener Prabhsimran Singh. These additions are expected to bolster the squad as they aim to turn their fortunes around.

Varma defends batting approach

Tilak Varma has addressed the discussions surrounding his strike rate during the recent tours of Ireland and England. He reiterated that his batting approach is determined by the team’s requirements in various match situations, rather than focusing on individual statistics. Varma scored 178 runs in seven T20Is across the two tours, with a strike rate of 131.85.

He registered two half-centuries, including 55 runs against Ireland and 53 runs off 25 balls against England in the final T20I. Despite these performances, questions were raised about his approach in the middle overs. Varma clarified that he is capable of attacking from the first ball but prioritises the team’s needs and the match situation.

Varma explained that adapting to different batting positions and overseas conditions often requires him to take responsibility and rebuild the innings, especially when the top order collapses. He noted that in several matches during the Ireland and England tours, India lost four or five wickets within the powerplay or the first 10 overs, necessitating a more cautious approach from the middle order.

As vice-captain, Varma is entrusted with specific responsibilities by the team management, and he aims to fulfil these plans. He believes that focusing on team requirements is paramount, even if it means adjusting his natural aggressive style. His philosophy is to do whatever is needed for the team, whether that involves grinding out an innings or hitting from the outset.

Varma’s recent form includes an attacking 53 runs off 25 balls in the final T20I against England, suggesting he has rediscovered his touch with the bat. He acknowledged that conditions overseas can be challenging and require quick adaptation from the batting group.

Challenges and expectations

India heads into the series with recent experience of touring Zimbabwe, having played a five-match T20I series there right after the T20 World Cup in 2024. In that series, Zimbabwe surprised India by winning the opening match, defending a total of 115 runs. India then responded strongly, winning the remaining four games.

Varma cautioned against underestimating Zimbabwe, describing them as a very competitive team. He highlighted their previous victory in the series opener as a reminder of their capability. He also pointed out that while the batting group remains largely consistent with recent tours, slight changes in the playing surface will test the visitors’ adaptability.

The vice-captain emphasised the importance of staying calm under pressure and fostering a positive team environment, regardless of past results. He believes that it only takes one match or one series to regain momentum. The team intends to apply the lessons learned from the previous series in Zimbabwe.

The series between India and Zimbabwe is scheduled to begin on Thursday, 23rd July, in Harare.