Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has suggested that young left-handed batsman Tilak Varma could be a viable option for India in the middle-order for the upcoming ODI World Cup in 2023. Varma has made an impressive start to his international career, showcasing his batting skills in the first three T20Is against West Indies. Ashwin believes that Varma’s ability to handle quality finger spinners, which many top cricket-playing nations lack, sets him apart as a valuable asset for the Indian team.
The uncertainty surrounding the fitness of Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul has led India to look for suitable alternatives for the upcoming Asia Cup and ODI World Cup. Ashwin’s recommendation of Varma has also been supported by former chairman of selectors MSK Prasad, who believes that Varma should be considered if Iyer fails to make the final 15.
Ashwin emphasized the importance of having left-handed batsmen in the Indian lineup, as currently Ravindra Jadeja is the sole left-hander in the top 7. In recent times, India has experimented with players like Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson in the middle-order to fill the void left by Rahul and Iyer. However, they have yet to finalize the team combination, with Suryakumar struggling to replicate his T20I form in the 50-over format and Samson lacking consistency.
If Rahul is unable to secure his place in the squad, wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan is the front-runner for the wicketkeeping position and can also serve as a backup opener. Ashwin believes that Varma’s emergence as a left-handed batsman would be crucial for India, as most top teams do not possess quality finger spinners who can trouble left-handers.
While Ashwin acknowledges that fast-tracking Varma may be challenging, he sees no harm in giving him a chance, especially considering his recent performances in the Caribbean. Prasad, who was part of the selection panel during the last ODI World Cup, believes that Varma possesses the skills to excel in the format, evident by his impressive List A record for Hyderabad.
Former India Test opener Wasim Jaffer, who has observed Varma’s exploits for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL, praises the young batter’s composure and confidence in his first three innings. With only nine games remaining before the World Cup, time is of the essence. Jaffer suggests that if India wants to try out a new player, it should be Varma. He believes that no matter who plays, they would be under-prepared, so taking a chance on Varma seems like a worthwhile bet.
In conclusion, Tilak Varma’s impressive performances and left-handed batting skills have caught the attention of players, selectors, and cricket analysts alike. With the upcoming ODI World Cup in mind, India is considering him as a valuable option for the middle-order. Varma’s ability to handle finger spinners effectively, coupled with his composure and impressive List A record, makes him a strong contender for a place in the final squad. If given an opportunity, Varma has the potential to contribute significantly to the Indian team’s success in the tournament.
