Tilak Varma Reveals Role Behind Record Calendar Year Catches

India T20I vice-captain Tilak Varma has said that his leadership role and fielding record both come from years of hard work and experience. Speaking in Auckland, Tilak said he is happy to support captain Shreyas Iyer and to be a key fielder for the side.

After the T20 World Cup 2026, Iyer was named India's T20I captain and Tilak was made vice-captain. Tilak has previously led Hyderabad in all formats and captained India A for the past year. He said this background helps him advise the captain during matches.

Tilak made these remarks at a press conference at Eden Park, Auckland, ahead of India's fourth T20I against New Zealand. He explained that he regularly passes on his thoughts to Iyer on the field.

"I have captained my state team in every format," he said. "I have also been leading India A for a year now. That is why I have experience and understanding. Whatever suggestions I can give, I always share with Shreyas on the field."

He described T20 as a high-pressure format, especially now that matches regularly produce big totals. Tilak said keeping track of every detail is difficult for a captain, which is why he talks with Iyer and helps wherever possible.

"T20 is a pressure game, and there is always pressure these days because matches are very high-scoring," he said. "It is hard for a captain to watch everything. That is why I talk to Iyer and help him as much as I can. He also asks me for my views, and I am enjoying these small roles."

Tilak's fielding has also drawn attention. During the ongoing New Zealand series, he set a new record for the most catches by a fielder in a calendar year. He has taken 26 catches in 2026 so far, going past the 25 catches Indonesia's Danilson Hawo took last year.

Reflecting on his fielding, Tilak said he has been a skilled fielder since childhood. He added that he enjoys practising in the field and does not find it burdensome, even when conditions overseas are challenging.

"I have been a good fielder since childhood," he said. "When I practise fielding, it never feels like a burden. Playing overseas, there is wind, there is cold, and the ball swings in the air, but I have always truly enjoyed fielding. I never complain about spending long periods on the field. The more you enjoy the game, the better your results. Being athletic helps naturally. I like taking responsibility on the field and running fast, and whenever key fielding moments come up, I get there quickly."

Tilak added that the team trusts his catching ability and often places him in important positions. This gives him more chances to save runs and take catches.

"When you take a great catch, the crowd and the fans enjoy it a lot too," he said.