Tilak Varma’s performance during the West Indies tour caught attention, but the selection committee is being cautious about not rushing the young left-handed batsman. They acknowledge his potential for future ODIs but want to avoid jeopardizing his career by promoting him too quickly.
The committee source mentioned that discussions about his inclusion would only occur if Iyer and Rahul are unavailable. The NCA officials haven’t disclosed the fitness status, leading to a delay in the Asia Cup team selection.
The Ajit Agarkar-led committee intends to wait and provide the best opportunity for both players to recover before announcing the squad later this week in Mumbai.
Ravichandran Ashwin, the prominent off-spinner, recently appealed to the national selectors and team management to trust the skill of Tilak Varma and consider adding him to the World Cup squad. Ashwin believes that Varma could address India’s issues in the middle-order, especially since several batsmen are still in the recovery phase due to injuries.
Former chairman of selectors MSK Prasad also echoed Ravichandran Ashwin’s sentiments, expressing openness to seeing Tilak Varma in the final 15-player World Cup squad if Shreyas Iyer doesn’t make it.
The 20-year-old stylish left-handed batsman from Hyderabad has garnered attention with his performances in the West Indies, scoring 39, 50, and an unbeaten 49 in three T20I matches, displaying comfort at the international level. Ashwin highlighted Varma’s left-handed batting as a valuable asset since Team India lacks left-handers in the top 7.
Varma’s List A record for Hyderabad is impressive, with an average of over 55 and a strike rate of over 100, indicating his ability to convert fifties into centuries. His fearless 39 off 22 balls during his debut T20I for India further showcased his potential.
Varma, who was part of the 2020 U-19 World Cup squad, expressed gratitude for his early India debut despite the disruptions caused by the pandemic.