Former Indian player Wasim Jaffer backs the inclusion of young Tilak Varma in the ODI squad, considering uncertainties around KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer’s availability before the World Cup.
Aged 20, Varma has made a strong T20I debut with scores of 39, 51, and 49* in the ongoing West Indies series. He’s the second Indian to achieve 30+ runs in his first three T20I innings.
Despite minimal international experience, the youngster’s composed performance has impressed observers. There’s a plea for selectors to contemplate Varma’s inclusion in the one-day format, Jaffer told ESPNcricinfo:
“If at all India need a batter to look at in 50 overs, I won’t be surprised if it’s Tilak Varma. The kind of maturity that he has shown, I’ll be happy to see him coming into the ODI mix also.”
“There are talks that Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul are not ready yet. Why not throw in a youngster like Tilak Varma? He’s shown a lot of maturity and [gives] that left-hander option. We’ve been looking for a top-order left-hander. Why not Tilak Varma?.”
Jaffer conceded that due to the few remaining ODI matches before the World Cup, Varma might not have ample chances to showcase his abilities. Nevertheless, he emphasized that considering the circumstances, taking the risk is a valid choice.
“We are definitely short on time. You want a guy to play at least 15-20 ODIs. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. We expected Shreyas and KL to be ready for the Asia Cup.”
“We don’t know whether they will be available for Australia ODIs. I’ll probably take a bait on Tilak Varma if at all,” the 45-year-old added.
Reports about the availability of Shreyas and Rahul for the Asia Cup, scheduled from August 30 to September 17, have been inconsistent.
“I can’t recall anyone being as steady in the initial three innings.”- Jaffer on Varma
🇮🇳🫡 pic.twitter.com/PFqzxPX4fy
— Tilak Varma (@TilakV9) August 9, 2023
Although India trails 1-2 in the West Indies series, Varma has emerged as a significant bright spot. Jaffer praised the young player for his unwavering performance, astute understanding of the game, and capability to meet the team’s expectations.
“In the first three innings, I can’t remember anyone being as consistent, as mature or as assured in his strokeplay as Tilak Varma.”
“He’s very young and for him to come out and bat in certain situations, absolute delight to see. He came out with the rain coming in and there were talks that it might go to Duckworth-Lewis.”
“He came out and attacked the first 2-3 balls. It goes on to show how tuned in he is with the team’s demand and the game sense that he has got. That is very refreshing to see,” Jaffer explained.
In the crucial third T20I, Varma and Suryakumar Yadav formed an 87-run partnership for the third wicket, contributing to India’s seven-wicket victory.
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