Former BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has suggested that Tilak Varma should be India’s choice for the No. 4 batsman position at the ICC World Cup 2023 if Shreyas Iyer is not available. Ganguly believes that being a left-hander, Varma’s adaptability and fearless approach makes him a good pick.
“Who said we don’t have a No. 4? We have so many (batsmen) who can bat at that spot. I think differently; my mindset is different. This is a fantastic side,” Ganguly said on an event. “I see Tilak Varma as an option, being a left-hander,” Ganguly said.
The 20-year-old left-hander made an impressive debut in IND vs WI series. He scored 22-ball 39 on his T20I debut, followed by scores of 51 and 49* in his next two outings.
Ganguly also claimed that India has several options for the crucial No. 4 slot. The former Indian skipper suggested that the left-handed trio of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ishan Kishan, and Varma can play fearless cricket and should be picked.
“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. Rahul (Dravid), Rohit and the selectors have plenty of choices; they just have to identify and pick the best XI,” he said.
Notably, Shreyas has been recovering at the NCA after a surgery on his injured back.
Bumrah’s return a big boost: Ganguly
Meanwhile, Ganguly termed return of Jasprit Bumrah as a “big boost” for India ahead of the World Cup.
“I’ve spoken to some players at the NCA, and they said he’s at his best…Bumrah was bowling at almost 90 miles per hour the other day. That’s great news for Indian cricket,” he added.
Ganguly said India has a very good bowling unit going into the marquee tournament.
“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 unsettled?” he stated.
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