Suryakumar Yadav gave me No.3: Tilak Varma on his 'flying kiss ...

Tilak Varma has revealed that his flying kiss celebration was dedicated to India captain Suryakumar Yadav after he scored his hundred at Centurion on November 13, Wednesday. Tilak's century helped India win the match and take a series lead.

Tilak Varma (right) hit his maiden T20I hundred in India's win in Centurion (AFP Photo)

India batter Tilak Varma revealed that his 'flying kiss' celebration was dedicated to captain Suryakumar Yadav after he scored his maiden T20I hundred in the match at Centurion against South Africa on November 13, Wednesday. Tilak scored 107 off 56 balls to help India set a target of 220 in the high-scoring game.

South Africa managed to score 208 in the end as India took a 2-1 lead in the series heading into the final game. Tilak was sent at No.3 instead of his usual spot of 4, where he had batted in the last 2 matches before the one in Centurion. Speaking at the press conference after the game, Tilak said that the Indian captain gave him the opportunity to come ahead him in the batting order.

SA vs IND, 3rd T20I: Highlights

The India batter revealed that Suryakumar had come to his room ahead of the 3rd T20I and informed him he would bat at No.3. Tilak revealed that the India skipper told him to go out and make most of the opportunity.

"It was for Suryakumar, our captain. He has given me opportunity to bat at No.3. Because I love to bat at that spot, and last 2 matches I batted at No.4. But before this match, he came to my room and said that 'you're going to bat at No.3. It's a good opportunity, so express yourself,'" said Tilak.

Tilak said he promised his captain that he would perform and show on the field and hence decided to dedicate his century to him.

"I told him that I got a good opportunity and couldn't perform. So I will perform and show on the ground. So that's why I pointed the bat to him," said Tilak.

Suryakumar had commented on Tilak's hundred and said he had sacrificed his spot to the youngster as he deserved it.

India captain Suryakumar would reveal that he gave up the No.3 spot for Tilak and confirmed the young batter would occupy the spot moving forward.

"What can I say about Tilak Varma. He came to me (in Gqeberha), asked me if he could bat at three. I said to him it was his day and to enjoy himself. I knew what he was capable of doing and very happy for him. He is batting at three going forward definitely (smiles). He asked for it, he delivered. Very happy for his family." Suryakumar said.

The final T20I between South Africa and India will happen on November 15.