'Cannot make excuses': Tilak Varma lifts lid on Gautam Gambhir's team talks ahead of IND vs NZ 4th T20I

As Team India continues its dominant march in the ongoing five-match T20I series against New Zealand, young batting sensation Tilak Varma has opened up about the team’s mindset, head coach Gautam Gambhir’s stern directive for the long away assignment, and his own evolving role in the middle order. Holding an unassailable 3-0 lead heading into the 4th T20I, the Men in Blue have played a brand of fearless cricket that reflects the uncompromising standards set by their leadership group.

Speaking to the media ahead of the fourth clash, Tilak offered a candid look into the squad's internal conversations, revealing how Gambhir’s message has kept the unit motivated despite having already wrapped up the series.

Tilak on Gambhir's clear directive for a long tour

Managing player workload and maintaining high mental intensity over an extended tour is always a challenge for international sides. However, head coach Gautam Gambhir has made it abundantly clear that drop-offs in performance will not be tolerated, regardless of the format or schedule.

Tilak Varma highlighted how Gambhir framed the T20I series as the benchmark-setter for the rest of the tour, which includes upcoming ODI and Test legs.

“At this level, we cannot make excuses. We are at the highest level, and we need to set standards for the youngsters who look up to us. Gautam sir made it clear in team meetings that this is a long tour and the standard we set as a T20 side will provide momentum for the ODI and Test squads,” Tilak said in at the pre-match press conference ahead of the 4th T20I.

With three decisive victories under their belt, India have effectively sealed the series win, but the squad remains unsatisfied with just a series triumph. Tilak revealed that the group’s focus has already shifted toward completing a ruthless 5–0 whitewash against the Kiwis.

According to the 23-year-old lefty, the team is treating the remaining two matches with the same urgency as a series decider.

“We are thinking this is a great opportunity to achieve a clean sweep. The next goal is to win the upcoming match and give the Indian crowd a great chance to witness a 5–0 series win,” he added.

Varma on taking responsibility at No. 5 and No. 6

One of the defining aspects of Tilak Varma’s young international career has been his adaptability. Having initially made a name for himself as a top-order force at No. 3, Tilak has recently been tasked with finishing games lower down the order at No. 5 and No. 6.

Addressing the shift in his role, Tilak explained how his game plan changes depending on his entry point, balancing his natural power-hitting with situational awareness.

“I always had the power game. Initially, what I used to do at No. 3 — where I have scored two centuries — I wanted to set the momentum for the batters after me. Now, when I bat at No. 5 and No. 6, I want to take the game deep. If the ball is there to hit, I hit, but initially, I take time, focusing on singles, doubles and piercing the gaps. I tell the player at the other end to go all out.”

He further elaborated on how his transition into a more experienced voice within the team context has shifted how he guides junior partners at the crease.

“I always had the power game. Initially, what I used to do at No. 3 — where I have scored two centuries — I wanted to set the momentum for the batters after me. Now, when I bat at No. 5 and No. 6, I want to take the game deep. If the ball is there to hit, I hit, but initially, I take time, focusing on singles, doubles and piercing the gaps. I tell the player at the other end to go all out.”

A look at Tilak Varma's performances at different batting orders

Tilak’s stats reflect his versatility across different entry points in T20 Internationals. While his numbers at No. 3 highlight his capability to play long, match-winning knocks, his secondary numbers at No. 5 and No. 6 demonstrate his growing skill as a situational anchor and finisher.

Tilak's T20I numbers at different batting orders

At No. 3, Tilak boasts two international hundreds, highlighted by his blistering unbeaten centuries against South Africa—where he used the powerplay overs to establish high momentum. Down at No. 5, No. 6 and No.7, his strike rate remains strong at over 143, showing that while he takes initial deliveries to assess conditions, he rarely lets the required run rate climb out of control.

When asked about his psychological mindset during high-pressure chases, Tilak offered a tactical breakdown of how he breaks down an innings ball-by-ball rather than getting overwhelmed by the ultimate target.

Rather than overthinking the final result from ball one, Tilak focuses on targeting specific bowlers and phases, trusting that the opposition pressure will naturally peak in the death overs.

“I don’t think right at the start of my innings that we have to win. Of course, as an individual, as a team, you have to win, but in between, I decide which bowler to attack and in which phase. And when I tell my partner to take his chances. I believe that towards the end, bowlers are more under pressure. This is a positive thing that keeps going through my mind.”

Tilak Varma’s contributions in the ongoing five-match T20I series against New Zealand have been instrumental in securing India’s 3-0 lead. Batting in flexible middle-order roles, he has provided stability during sticky chases and acceleration during first-innings setups.

TILAK VARMA'S MATCH-BY-MATCH PERFORMANCE (NZ T20Is)

In the 1st T20I, Tilak walked in late in the innings and smashed a quickfire 34 off 21 balls to push India's total past the 200-run mark. In the 2nd T20I, he anchored an easy run-chase with an unbeaten 28 off 18 balls, ensuring no hiccups down the stretch.

His most crucial knock came in the 3rd T20I, where India lost early wickets in pursuit of New Zealand's target. Entering at a tricky juncture, Tilak absorbed early pressure, rotated the strike alongside the lower-middle order, and then unleashed a flurry of boundaries to score 41 off 26 balls. That knock proved to be the match-winning difference, securing the series victory.

As India prepare for the 4th T20I, the focus inside the dressing room remains firmly on execution, discipline, and building a winning culture. With a 5–0 series sweep in sight and multi-format challenges ahead on the tour, Tilak's adaptability and clarity of thought serve as a template for India's next generation of stars.