India vice-captain Tilak Varma has credited a combination of rigorous mental preparation, consistent net practice, and divine grace for his impressive run as a finisher in the middle order, speaking ahead of the 3rd T20I in Indore on 11 October 2026. The left-handed batter said his form is 'going really good' and that he remains focused on the basics as India eye a series-clinching performance.

Recent Form and Finishing Credentials

Varma has been in fine touch across formats over the past month. He struck an unbeaten 44 against the West Indies in Ranchi and followed it with an unbeaten 51 during India's gold medal-winning campaign at the Asian Games in Japan. His finishing abilities were not called upon in Lucknow in the second T20I, but his composure in high-pressure situations has made him a key cog in India's lower-middle order.

'God has been really kind to me. And right now, my form is also going really good. The way I finished that last match was terrific. But at the same point, again, we are focusing on our basics,' Varma told broadcasters in a pre-game chat.

The Shift from Top Order to Finisher

Varma acknowledged that transitioning from his natural top-order role to a finisher's position at No. 4, 5, or 6 required deliberate work. He noted that the process, which began in earnest during the World Cup, is still ongoing. 'Batting up the order was my strength before, but now I got used to it since the World Cup. During the World Cup, I was batting at five and six. So from there, I was practising how I could finish the game,' he explained.

The 22-year-old also referenced his team's rotation policy, pointing out that only the openers enjoy fixed positions, while others adapt to the team's needs — a philosophy that has shaped his own evolution as a batter.

Mental Preparation at the Core

Varma was candid about the psychological dimension of his growth. 'Mentally and in practice also, I have really worked hard,' he said, underlining that finishing games from the lower middle order demands a different mindset than playing freely at the top. He described the journey as a 'work in progress', even as the results suggest he is increasingly ready for the role under pressure.

What to Watch in Indore

With the series situation adding context to every innings, all eyes will be on whether Varma gets an opportunity to bat in a chase or a late-innings scenario in Indore. His ability to read the game situation and accelerate when needed has drawn praise from team management, and his comments suggest a player who is both settled in his role and hungry to keep improving.