India batter Tilak Varma says he is ready for the challenge of batting lower down the order in T20 internationals. The left-hander has mostly batted in the top order through his young career.

Speaking ahead of the West Indies series, Tilak said he was working on finishing games and adapting to facing fewer balls. It is a different challenge, and he is ready for it, according to reports.

With India’s top order packed with options, the team management sees Tilak as a flexible middle-order batter who can also close out innings.

Tilak has been one of India’s most consistent T20 performers since his debut. How he handles the finisher’s role could shape his place in the squad for next year’s T20 World Cup.

India’s T20 middle order has been in flux, with the team trying several options at numbers five and six. Tilak’s ability to play spin well makes him a strong candidate for the finisher’s role on slower tracks.