Explained: Why SKY Should Replace Tilak Varma At Number 3 Vs KKR?

Anurag Dasgupta

Why SKY should replace Tilak [Source: AP Photo] Why SKY should replace Tilak [Source: AP Photo]

The Mumbai Indians have had a slow start to their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 campaign as they started out with back-to-back losses and have a tough task ahead as they take on the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders in their next encounter on Monday.

Their biggest concern has been the form of Rohit Sharma, who scored a duck in the first match and couldn't do much in the last clash against Gujarat Titans. However, the side has another issue and that is the number 3 position.

Tilak Varma occupies that spot for the Mumbai Indians and while he has been MI's biggest asset for the last three seasons, him batting at 3 is hindering Suryakumar Yadav's performance and this is why we feel SKY should replace Tilak Varma at number 3 for the match against KKR.

Suryakumar Yadav record at number 3, 4

Criterion
Batting at number 3
Batting at number 4
Matches5534
Runs15931071
Strike-rate145.35151.06
50s/100s12/17/1

As the numbers suggests, he has more runs at number 3 and the team's best player should get more balls to face in T20Is. SKY is hands down Mumbai Indians' best player and at number 4, he gets less balls to face which sometimes hinders his performance.

The numbers are not different in both the positions, but most of his iconic performances have come in at 3.

Tilak Varma record at number 3, 4

Criterion
Batting at 3
Batting at 4
Matches317
Runs86566
Strike-rate122.86150.13
50s/100s0/04/0

When Tilak Varma rose to prominence and became a breakout star for the Mumbai Indiaans, his iconic performances came in at number 4 and 5 as SKY used to bat at 3. Time and again, it was at this position where he won most of the matches for MI and the numbers tell the story.

However, as the stats reflects, he has struggled to cement himself at number 3 and has only 86 runs, but most importantly has a strike-rate of just 122.86, showcasing his struggle.

Conclusion

For MI to succeed, there needs to be a change in the batting order with SKY getting a promotion at 3 and Tilak getting a demotion at 4 which will benefit the franchise and strengthen the batting.