Tilak Varma has been rewarded for his stunning performance in IND vs WI series as the left-handed batter has received a maiden ODI call-up for Asia Cup 2023. The inclusion of Tilak in Asia Cup 2023 squad drops a big hint that selectors are keen to include him in World Cup squad.
The talks to include Tilak in the ODI setup took pace after his performances in IND vs WI T20I series. The 20-year-old was Team India’s top scorer with 173 runs in four innings.
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Former head coach Ravi Shastri backed the idea of giving Tilak Varma a run in ODIs and suggested his inclusion will give a left-handed option in middle order.
“I’m very impressed with Tilak Varma. Very, very impressed. And I want a left-hander. So, if I’m looking for a left-hander in the middle order, like Yuvraj Singh and before that was Suresh Raina at five, I would really look in that direction“, Shastri had said on Star Sports.
However, his failure in first two IND vs IRE T20Is casted a doubt over his inclusion. But his selection has proved that selectors are looking at Tilak as a long time option in limited overs cricket.
Chief selector also didn’t rule out Tilak’s inclusion in World Cup squad.
“Tilak Varma is promising – if makes it into World cup then he will not be in the Asian Games – Asia Cup is a big opportunity for him”, Agarkar said in Press Conference.
Tilak likely to make ODI debut in Asia Cup 2023
Ajit Agarkar confirmed that KL Rahul has a niggle and is expected to be fully fit by the 2-3rd match of Asia Cup.
“KL Rahul is carrying a niggle but expected to be fully fit by 2-3rd match for Asia Cup“, Agarkar revealed.
This might give Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid a chance to try and test Tilak Varma in the middle order. With both Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma in top 6, Team India will also get two left-handed options.
Team India squad for Asia Cup 2023: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya (VC), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Md Shami, Md Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Sanju Samson (Backup)
