SportsPosted at: Oct 13 2026 7:46PM


We cannot relax: Tilak urges bowling attack to step up as India look to seal series

New Delhi, Oct 13 (UNI) Vice-captain Tilak Varma is prepared to adapt to the demands of different match situations but stressed that India must adopt a more attacking approach with the ball to contain the West Indies' explosive batting line-up as the hosts target a series-clinching win in the fourth T20I in Hyderabad on Wednesday.
Leading the five-match series 2-1, India have an opportunity to seal the contest with a game to spare. However, the West Indies have shown they can turn a match around quickly, as demonstrated by their successful chase of India's 249 in the second T20I, powered by captain Shai Hope's 45-ball century in Ranchi.
Back in his home ground, the 23-year-old feels that India’s bowlers would need to focus on taking wickets rather than simply trying to restrict the scoring.
“The West Indies are a really good side, especially in T20 format. They play so much franchise cricket, so they know how to play this format. The power they have is unbelievable," Tilak said at the pre-match press conference on Tuesday.
“Everyone can hit the ball. It is not just the openers, number three or four. All their players can strike the ball, and even the 11th batter can come in and hit. Until all 10 wickets fall, the game is not over. We cannot relax.”
India came under pressure in the second match when the visitors capitalised on the powerplay to complete a remarkable chase. Tilak admitted the hosts had been too defensive but said head coach Gautam Gambhir had encouraged the team to attack for wickets.
“Initially, in the second game, we did not go for wickets. We were slightly defensive when they (West Indies) were scoring runs. But after that, as a team, Gautam (Gambhir) sir also mentioned that we can go for wickets and show that aggression," he said.
India bounced back with a 14-run victory in the third T20I in Indore, restricting the West Indies to 209 despite a late assault. The hosts will look to carry that momentum into Wednesday's contest.
Love batting at number three
Tilak, meanwhile, said he was comfortable adjusting his batting according to the situation. Having scored 443 runs in 13 T20I innings at No. 3, including two centuries, he averages 55.37 at a strike rate of 169.73 in the role. However, in the ongoing series, the left-hander has more been used as a finisher.
“I love batting at number three, and I have said that many times. I always want that pressure. When the team needs me, I want to step up," he said.
“If quick wickets fall, I can take my time and take the game deep. But if the openers or the top three batters have batted until the 14th or 15th over, I know how to change the gears from the first ball,” he added.
The re-laid pitch at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad could offer unfamiliar conditions. Tilak said India would assess the surface before deciding how to approach their innings.
“Haven't seen the track yet but will see how the conditions behave initially and go accordingly. It is a fresh soil track, so let's see how it goes,” the Hyderabadi southpaw said.UNI TB AAB
Tags: #We cannot relax: Tilak urges bowling attack to step up as India look to seal series
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