New Delhi: India’s strong batting options have created an interesting selection puzzle ahead of the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, with former South Africa captain AB de Villiers questioning where Tilak Varma fits into the playing XI.

India have several established and in-form options available for the series, including captain Shreyas Iyer, wicketkeeper-batters Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson, young opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and all-rounder Abhishek Sharma. With such depth in the squad, de Villiers believes deciding Tilak’s role could be one of the major challenges for the Indian team management.

AB de Villiers asks where Tilak will bat

Speaking on his YouTube channel, de Villiers highlighted the number of batting options available to India and specifically pointed towards Tilak Varma’s position in the side.

“There will definitely be some selection issues about the batters. Obviously, Shreyas, captain, Ishan Kishan, Samson, Sooryavanshi and then there are all-rounders, Tilak Varma; I think that is where the balance is quite tricky. Where will he bat?” de Villiers said.

The former South Africa star’s observation underlines the challenge facing India. Tilak is a proven T20 batter, but the presence of several other players competing for top and middle-order positions could make his inclusion less straightforward.

India have plenty of batting options

India’s squad for the Afghanistan T20Is includes a combination of experienced international players and exciting young talent.

Shreyas Iyer has been named captain, while Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson provide wicketkeeping options. Abhishek Sharma brings an aggressive left-handed batting option and can also contribute with the ball.

The inclusion of 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has added another dimension to the batting line-up. The youngster has already attracted considerable attention with his performances and is among the players expected to be considered for the playing XI.

With several players capable of occupying similar positions, India may have to make difficult decisions regarding the batting order.

Tilak’s versatility could be important

Tilak Varma’s ability to bat in different positions could nevertheless work in his favour.

He has experience batting in the middle order and can provide India with a left-handed option. His ability to contribute with part-time spin also gives the team another tactical possibility.

However, de Villiers believes the key question is not simply whether Tilak is good enough to make the team. It is about finding the right position for him without disturbing the overall balance of the XI.

In T20 cricket, batting roles are often closely connected. Moving one player up or down the order can affect the roles of several others.

De Villiers warns India about Afghanistan

While discussing Tilak’s position, de Villiers also praised the strength of India’s overall squad.

“Really, really strong squad, but the balance will be tricky to figure out. It’s T20s, so they can play around with the squad a little bit. There are different roles, but the role clarification will still be incredibly important for India, as they are playing quite a dangerous team,” he said.

The warning is significant because Afghanistan have developed into a formidable T20 side, particularly through their strong spin attack and aggressive batting options.

India therefore cannot afford to treat the series simply as an opportunity to experiment. The team management will also want to establish clear roles ahead of the matches.

Afghanistan series begins on September 13

The three-match T20I series between India and Afghanistan begins on September 13 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The second T20I will be played at the same venue on September 15, followed by the third match on September 17.

There had been uncertainty over whether the opening match would go ahead because Delhi is hosting the BRICS Summit on September 12 and 13.

However, the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) confirmed that the first T20I will take place as scheduled after discussions with the Delhi Traffic Police.

The DDCA said it had received assurances regarding the necessary security and arrangements, ruling out any postponement.

India face an interesting selection call

The Afghanistan series could provide India with an opportunity to test different combinations, but the sheer number of batting options could also create selection headaches.

If the management prioritises specialist batters, Tilak could find himself competing with several established names for a place. If India opt for a combination that places greater emphasis on all-round ability, his skill set could become particularly valuable.

The question raised by de Villiers is therefore less about Tilak’s ability and more about India’s tactical planning.

India will need to decide whether Tilak is best suited to a specific batting position, whether he can adapt to a floating role, or whether another combination offers a better balance.

With the T20 World Cup cycle and future international assignments in mind, the Afghanistan series could also offer the team management a chance to clarify the roles of several players.

For now, one of the biggest questions ahead of the opening match is exactly the one raised by de Villiers: where will Tilak Varma bat?