Ashwin believes that together with the expert left-hander within the World Cup squad may doubtlessly tackle India’s ongoing middle-order challenges, particularly as a number of batters are nonetheless on the trail to restoration from accidents.
Former chairman of selectors, MSK Prasad, has additionally echoed Ashwin’s sentiments. Prasad expressed his openness to the thought of getting Varma within the remaining 15-player squad, significantly if Shreyas Iyer doesn’t handle to safe a spot.
At a mere 20 years of age, the fashionable left-handed batsman from Hyderabad has left an enduring impression on each followers and consultants alike. Varma’s performances in three T20I matches within the West Indies have been nothing in need of spectacular. He scored 39, 50, and an unbeaten 49, demonstrating his adaptability and composure on the worldwide stage.
“This is neck-and-neck with respect to the World Cup. So, will they think about Tilak Varma as an option if we don’t have enough backups? Because Sanju Samson has performed really well in ODIs.
“But the thrilling half about Tilak Varma is that he’s a left-hander and Team India is missing left-handers. Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja) is the one left-handed batter within the prime 7,” Ashwin stated on his YouTube channel.
With star batters KL Rahul (thigh surgery) and Iyer (lower back surgery) running against time to get fit for the 50-over showpiece starting October 5, the two back-up options, Suryakumar Yadav and Samson have not inspired confidence of the highest order as the conundrum with regards to the No. 4 slot continues.
While Surya enjoys the team management’s confidence and will make it as an extra middle-order option in the squad, Samson has wasted way too many opportunities and if Rahul is fit, then certainly Ishan Kishan will be the second keeper-cum-reserve opener.
Ashwin gave his rationale behind picking Varma as he feels the top cricket playing nations won’t have quality finger spinners who can trouble a rookie.
“And have a look at the spinners from all the highest groups. Australia have Ashton Agar. England have Moeen Ali and a leggie in Adil Rashid. So, most groups do not have a finger spinner to problem the left-handed batters. That is why the emergence of Tilak is essential.”
Ashwin knows that it could be difficult to fast-track Varma but there is no harm in giving him a chance, especially after his ongoing exploits in the Caribbean.
“It remains to be early however will they see him as an possibility? He has at the least made everybody discover him. He is unquestionably within the contingency plan. Because any selector who would have seen that knock would have gone, ‘Woah!'” he said.
Prasad, who was the head of the selection panel during the last ODI World Cup, feels that someone like Varma is an equally capable ODI player.
“Look at his List A document for Hyderabad. He has performed 25 List A video games and has a median of 55 plus (56.18). Five a whole lot and 5 half-centuries. It means at the least 50 per cent instances he’s changing fifties into a whole lot. A strike price of 100 plus,” Prasad told PTI.
“I feel it will not be a nasty concept supplied Shreyas (Iyer) cannot make it. Only then you’ll be able to consider Varma. But I’m positive he will likely be a white ball common for India throughout codecs going ahead,” the former India stumper added.
(With PTI Inputs)
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com