India clinched the series 3-1 after emphatically defeating South Africa by 135 runs in the fourth T20I. Batting first at Wanderers Stadium, India, Batting first at the Wanderers Stadium, India achieved a stunning 283/1 due to outstanding hundreds from Sanju Samson (109* off 56) and Tilak Varma (120* off 47). With Arshdeep Singh leading the assault with outstanding figures of 3/20, South Africa stumbled in reaction and collapsed to 148 all out in only 18.2 overs. For his outstanding efforts all through, Tilak Varma was selected Player of the Match and Player of the Series.

Suryakumar Yadav made a huge statement about Tilak Varma

India skipper Suryakumar Yadav has hailed Tilak Varma for “walking the talk,” as the youngster unlocked his potential as India’s new No. 3 batter with sensational back-to-back centuries that powered their 3-1 T20 International series triumph in South Africa.

Various batters have been tried out in recent times for the crucial position once owned by Virat Kohli, with the team think-tank even experimenting with Rishabh Pant during the T20 World Cup, albeit with little success.

Since then, players like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson have all had stints at No. 3 before skipper Suryakumar Yadav took over the role.

However, after being entrusted with the crucial No. 3 spot in the last two T20Is of the series, the 22-year-old Varma has firmly grabbed the position with both hands.

Skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who sacrificed his spot for the Mumbai Indians all-rounder, couldn’t agree more.

In an aggressive batting display, India posted a huge 283 for 1, the fifth-highest total in men’s T20Is.

Tilak finished with an unbeaten 120 off 47 balls, while opener Sanju Samson, after two ducks in the last two games, slammed 109 not out off 56 to make it three hundreds in five outings.Together, they hammered 210 runs off 86 balls for the second wicket — the highest T20I partnership for India for any wicket.

 The victory underlined India’s new-found dominance in T20I cricket, even after the retirement of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja and especially without many of their regulars like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill.

What does it meant about Indian cricket? “I think it says a lot about how strong the base of Indian cricket is. Guys playing a lot of domestic cricket for their respective states. Guys wanting to go back and play for their states, that speaks a lot about their urge to play for their state, deliver, and keep that run,” the T20I skipper said.

Samson has also showcased his dominance in the opening role, and when asked about his place once Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal return, Suryakumar called it a “good headache” for the team.

Unbelievable feeling: Tilak ================= For Varma, it was an “unbelievable feeling” and he’s yet to fully grasp the enormity of his achievement.

Asked whether he would look to bat at No. 3 in future, he said: “It’s not in my hands. I got the opportunity from Surya bhai, and whatever the team needs, I try to fulfil it. I love playing at No. 3, but I’m ready for any role,” he said. 

(PTI)