Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar shared his thoughts on Tilak Verma’s batting technique amid his struggles during the T20 World Cup 2026. Bangar said the youngster has improved since then, but agreed that in T20 cricket, a slightly open approach helps batsmen play tighter and more freely.
Tilak has not been able to perform at his best during the T20 World Cup. The left-handed batsman is ranked fourth among India’s top run scorers but has struggled to find his usual rhythm. He scored 106 runs in four innings at an average of 26.50 and a strike rate of 120.45, with a best score of 31 from 31 balls against the Netherlands.
It is desirable to have a slightly open attitude – Sanjay Bangar on the struggle of Tilak Verma
During the discussion on ESPNcricinfo, Sanjay Bangar said that Tilak Verma is struggling due to his batting stance. Bangar recalled his time with Royal Challengers Bangalore, when the franchise was looking for left-handed batsmen and reviewed footage of Anuj Rawat, Sai Sudarshan and Tilak.
“It turns my mind towards talent scouting. At that time, I was with RCB and we were watching footage of several left-handed batsmen. We were watching Anuj Rawat, Sai Sudarshan and Tilak. And, at that point, I felt he was too side-on. He has got better at handling it. But that suggestion has merit,” Bangar said.
He further added, “T20 is a game where it is desirable to have a slightly open approach, which gives you the fundamental right to bat straight flat on the field.”
Don’t think that Tilak Verma’s form is a matter of concern – Sanjay Bangar
The former India cricketer said that it is too early to be worried about Tilak Verma’s form and the situation should improve once Abhishek Sharma comes into form. He said that Verma often had to walk early in the innings, sometimes within the first over.
“I don’t think so [Varma’s form is a worry]Because if he has to come and bat when India’s score is 60-1… he always comes to bat in the first over in this tournament. “I’m still not happy with that conclusion,” Bangar said.
Abhishek Sharma’s performance in the T20 World Cup 2026 has been difficult. This left-handed batsman has been out for zero in all the three innings played so far. Abhishek could not play in the match against Namibia due to stomach pain and in his absence Sanju Samson opened the innings.
Break this pattern of losing wickets in the first over – Sanjay Bangar
Sanjay Bangar said that India should make strategic changes in the batting order to deal with the early wickets. The 53-year-old said that the team management should consider promoting captain Suryakumar Yadav to No. 3 and sending Tilak Verma to No. 4.
“From a strategic perspective and to break this pattern [of losing a wicket in the first over]You have to be a little proactive. That’s the only logical conclusion I’ve come to.”
The Men in Blue will play their next match against South Africa on Sunday, February 22 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. After this they will face Zimbabwe and West Indies in the Super 8 stage.
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