{
  "id": 6837865,
  "title": "'Where will he bat?': De Villiers raises Tilak Varma concern ahead of Afg T20Is",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/where-will-he-bat-de-villiers-raises-tilak-varma-concern-ahead-of-afg",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-12T01:45:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/india-vs-afghanistan/where-will-he-bat-ab-de-villiers-raises-big-tilak-varma-concern-ahead-of-afghanistan-t20is/articleshow/134102099.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As India prepares for their upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan, the team's batting lineup is set to be a point of contention. Former South African star AB de Villiers has raised concerns over the role of vice-captain Tilak Varma in the batting order. With several established batters vying for places, de Villiers highlighted the difficulty in deciding where Varma would fit in.\n\nIndia's batting options include Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, Samson, Sooryavanshi, and the all-rounders. The vice-captain has scored 255 runs from 10 innings at a strike rate of 159.36 since the 2026 T20 World Cup, including three half-centuries. However, his inconsistent form has raised questions about his position in the lineup.\n\nDe Villiers emphasized that while India possesses a strong squad, the challenge lies in finding the right combination that gives each player a clear role. He stressed the importance of clarity in the batting order, particularly when facing a dangerous opponent like Afghanistan, who will start their three-match series against India on September 13. India will also play a historic T20I against Japan before the Asian Games 2026.",
  "summary": "As India gears up for the T20I series against Afghanistan, it faces crucial decisions in batting selection. Former cricketer AB de Villiers voices concerns over Tilak Varma's positioning in the order. With the team aiming for consistency following erratic performances, establishing clear batting roles is essential, especially with upcoming matches against Afghanistan and Japan, leading into the…",
  "key_points": [
    "AB de Villiers questions Tilak Varma's batting role in India's T20I lineup.",
    "Varma has scored 255 runs in 10 innings at 159.36 strike rate since 2026 T20 World Cup.",
    "India faces Afghanistan in T20I series starting September 13."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "'Where will he bat?': AB de Villiers raises big Tilak Varma concern ahead of Afghanistan T20Is",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/where-will-he-bat-ab-de-villiers-raises-big-tilak-varma-concern-ahead",
        "published": "2026-09-12T07:15:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}