Tilak Varma talked about his mindset, shot selection: India coach on MI star’s failure in Ireland T20Is

India head coach for the Ireland tour, Sitanshu Kotak, expounded on a discussion he had with young batter Tilak Varma on refining his game strategy during an optional training session.

Varma, who had unimpressively been dismissed in the two T20Is with scores of 0 and 1, expressed his intention to improve his form by focusing on his mental approach and shot selection. According to Kotak, these exchanges often revolve around gameplay tactics rather than technical adjustments unless the player requests it specifically. The coach holds the view that it is impractical to expect significant technical changes in a player’s style within a series or a few short days.

The conversation covered subjects such as how Varma could construct his innings and improve his approach to the concluding game. Kotak underlined the importance of these discussions and their role in a player’s progress throughout a tour.

“He just wanted to practice. He talked about his mindset, his shot selection and it was a normal discussion on what I think and what his plans are. On tours, if anything, we talk more about tactics. He spoke about how to build his innings and how he should approach the last game,” Kotak said about Varma in the press conference.

“We do not speak much on technical aspects unless the player requires it and provided there is enough time. I do not think you can change a player technically during a series, within a week or two-three days.”

Having already won the T20I series against Ireland, India will face their opponent again for the third and final T20I on August 23. The coach seemed to suggest that lineup alterations are unlikely for this matchup. The topic of availing opportunities for different players was broached, with Kotak stating that due to the condensed series, it becomes challenging to give chances to everyone.

The series opener was essentially a half game due to weather, constraining the opportunity for all players to have a shot. Having just three matches makes it difficult to rotate the squad and rest players. In longer, five-match series, the team usually ensures everyone gets some game time. Despite the scarcity of opportunities, the coach seems committed to keep the discussions about game strategy and mental preparation ongoing and ensure players’ progression during this short tour. Through this discourse and player-oriented approach, the team hopes to maintain their successful run.

“We will discuss the team in the evening, but if there is a possibility of giving them an opportunity, we will give. It is a short series; the first was a half game in a way,” he said. “If we have to give an opportunity to someone, we will have to drop another — it is difficult to rest someone after giving just one match. Normally in a five-match series we try that everybody gets a game or two. We have only three matches here — half of one game got rained off — it is difficult to leave out those who are playing.”