After a dream international debut series against West Indies, Tilak Varma has failed to impress in the ongoing T20I series against Ireland. Varma scored 0 & 1 in first two IND vs IRE T20Is which has now put the selectors in a dilemma over his inclusion in the ODI squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023.
Notably, after a successful IND vs WI T20Is, where he scored 173 runs in four innings, many cricket pundits demanded his inclusion in ODI setup.
However, his recent failures has raised questions over his selection in 50-over setup. The Asia Cup squad is will be announced on Monday and a disappointing outing in 2nd T20I might hurt Tilak’s chances of finding a spot.
The selectors will have a tough time deciding whether to give Varma a chance or look for other options in the middle order, especially with the fitness issues of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer. Rahul, who is recovering from a hamstring injury, is expected to be fit for the Asia Cup, but his form and match fitness will be tested. Iyer, who suffered a shoulder injury, is still doubtful for the tournament.
Where will Tilak Varma fit in ODI setup?
- Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan are already in a tough fight for the opening spot.
- Virat Kohli at number 3 is untouchable.
- Despite poor numbers, Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid are set to give Suryakumar Yadav more chances considering his reputation.
- Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul will fit right into Playing XI when they are match-fit.
- It makes Tilak Varma’s place non-existent.
- There is a faint possibility at No 6 but SKY and Sanju Samson are fighting for the finisher’s role.
- Ravindra Jadeja is another untouchable in the Playing XI at No 7.
Varma will have one more chance to redeem himself in the third and final T20I against Ireland on Tuesday, and he will hope to make it count.
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