Tilak Varma is India’s biggest T20I problem - It’s time Gautam Gambhir brings back Shreyas Iyer

India’s unbeaten streak in the T20 World Cup 2026 ended in Ahmedabad after a heavy loss to South Africa in the Super 8 match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, February 22. The defeat was a team failure, but it also raised serious questions about weaknesses in the batting lineup.

Tilak Varma’s lack of runs is becoming a growing concern for the Men in Blue. Once seen as a key part of India’s middle-order plans, the young batter is facing criticism. Many feel that head coach Gautam Gambhir should have considered the more experienced Shreyas Iyer for the marquee tournament.

Tilak Varma’s T20I Returns Are Raising Serious Questions

Tilak Varma recorded another low score against South Africa. The left-handed batter managed only 1 run from 2 balls before being dismissed, with his slow scoring again putting extra pressure on the team.

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Before this match, he had scored 496 runs in 10 T20Is against South Africa at an average of 70.85 and a strike rate of 163.15, with two hundreds and two fifties.

In the tournament, Tilak has scored 107 runs in five matches at an average of 21.40 and a strike rate of 118.88. Although he got starts in the group stage, his scoring rate has been below his usual T20 standards.

With India’s top order failing to provide stability, the responsibility at No. 3 has grown. Tilak missed the chance to steady the innings and build a partnership.

Too Many Left-Handers? India’s Batting Balance Under Scrutiny

India’s batting balance has come under focus due to the number of left-handers in the top seven. With Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, and Axar Patel all in the lineup, the middle order has looked one-dimensional.

Opponents have taken advantage by using off-spin and slowing the scoring, making India easier to plan against. The lack of a right-handed batter at No. 3 has added to the problem.

India have struggled to counter off-spin early in the powerplay. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said that Sanju Samson could be considered again due to ongoing issues at the top.

Samson played against Namibia and scored 22 off 8 balls, showing positive intent before his dismissal. India will now look to address these concerns as they prepare for the upcoming Super 8 matches against the West Indies and Zimbabwe.

The Shreyas Iyer Question - Is It Time for a Change?

Shreyas Iyer suffered a spleen injury in October 2025 that kept him out for several months. Even after returning, he missed major events like the Asia Cup 2025. He captained Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL 2024 title and later helped Punjab Kings reach only their second final.

However, those performances did not help him regain a regular place in India’s T20I side. Iyer returned to the squad in January 2026 for the home T20I series against New Zealand, initially as a replacement for the injured Tilak Varma.

Also, he stayed in the squad for all five matches but did not get a chance to bat, as India focused on rotating players ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Tilak Varma’s slow scoring has hurt the team, including hitting just one six in the tournament. There is a growing debate over whether Iyer, known for handling spin well and counter-attacking when needed, could have been a better option in the middle order.

Also read: Sanju Samson back in Playing XI race as India coach overrules Gautam Gambhir