Xtra Time Web Desk: Former India captain Sourav Ganguly on Friday said Tilak Varma could be the perfect No 4 batter if Shreyas Iyer is not fit before the Asia Cup 2023. According to Ganguly, India has a wealth of options for the critical Number 4 spot and the Mumbai Indians left-hander Tilak Varma could be the “choice” if Shreyas Iyer is deemed unfit for the ODI World Cup in under two months’ time.
The Indian think tank under coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma has tried out several options, but the conundrum with No 4 is the biggest concern for team management
“Who said we don’t have a No. 4? We have so many who can bat at that spot. I think differently; my mindset is different. This is a fantastic side,” Ganguly said on the sidelines of a promotional event in Kolkata.
He also added, “I see Tilak Varma as an option, being a left-hander,” Ganguly said, highlighting Varma’s adaptability and fearless approach to the game. The 20-year-old left-hander showcased an impressive debut in the West Indies, making a 22-ball 39 on his T20I debut, followed by scores of 51 and 49 not out in his next two outings.
Ganguly further mentioned that the left-hander trio of Yashasvi Jaiswal (back-up opener), Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper-batter), and Varma can play fearless cricket and should be picked when selectors announce the squad before the September 5 deadline.
“He (Tilak) is a very good young player, not with much experience but it does not matter. I also want to see the young left-hander (Yashasvi Jaiswal) in the side at the top of the order. He has enormous ability and he’s fearless. So this is a great side.”
“It has to be a team of experience and people who don’t have any scars — like Jaiswal, Varma, Ishan Kishan. They can go and play fearless cricket. I see him as an option being a left-hander. Rahul and Rohit and the selectors have plenty of choices; they just have to identify and pick the best XI.”
“Pick your best players. It’s a terrific side. India is a country where there’s an evaluation after every game; that’s part and parcel of sport.”
One of the much-anticipated stories in the upcoming World Cup is the return of India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who is marking his return from a back injury after 11 months in the ongoing T20I series against Ireland.
“I’ve spoken to some of the players at the NCA, and they said he’s at his best… Bumrah was bowling almost at 90 miles per hour the other day. That’s great news for Indian cricket.”
“With Bumrah, (Mohammed) Shami, (Mohammed) Siraj, they have a fantastic attack to go with (Ravindra) Jadeja, Axar (Patel), Kuldeep (Yadav); they have enormous talent. How can that team be an unsettled side?” he asked.
“It’s just that they played new players in the West Indies, and you will see that by the time the World Cup comes, and when they pick the team, it will be a top side. It’s about how you play during that tournament.”