Former India captain Kris Srikkanth has sharply criticised Tilak Varma after the left-hander produced another disappointing performance in the fourth T20I against England in Bristol on July 9. Tilak managed only 11 runs off eight balls as India limped to 158/7 in 20 overs, a total that proved nowhere near enough in a game England finished inside the 14th over.

India’s batting collapse once again proved costly, and Tilak’s struggles have become one of the biggest concerns in the ongoing five-match series. The young batter has looked out of rhythm throughout the England tour, averaging just 17 and striking at below 119, which has added pressure on both him and the team management.

Speaking on his YouTube channel Cheeky Cheeka, Kris Srikkanth said Tilak has shown plenty of confidence as a leader but has not looked convincing with the bat. He questioned the batter’s approach and suggested that Tilak appears hesitant at the crease despite carrying himself with authority off it.

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“There is nothing more to say about Tilak Varma. The whole world is talking about him. Yet, he walks with such courage and conviction as the captain when Shreyas Iyer wasn’t on the field. Even Gavaskar hasn’t walked like this, with such swag. But when it comes to batting, no one scratches around like him. He looks scared when batting,” Kris Srikkanth said.

The former India skipper also raised questions about Tilak’s role in the batting order. He argued that the left-hander is not suited to the finisher’s job, especially when facing quality spin or pace bowling with the new ball or in the death overs.

“They keep changing his position by the day. He’s not a finisher at all as spinners easily strangle him. He also struggles if the ball is short. He only looks the part if it’s medium-pace bowling,” Kris Srikkanth said.

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Despite the criticism, Tilak’s overall T20I record remains strong. He has traditionally been more effective in the top order, averaging 46.35 at No. 3 and 54.44 at No. 4 in 34 combined T20I innings. He was also promoted to India’s T20I vice-captaincy after the 2026 T20 World Cup, underscoring the selectors’ continued faith in his long-term potential.