Team India’s young sensation, Tilak Varma has still a chance to make in the World Cup squad. Despite a disappointing ODI debut against Bangladesh in Asia Cup 2023, Varma has been included for the first two IND vs AUS ODIs. While he was supposed to play in the Asian Games 2023, there is a chance that the 20-year-old will miss the continental event to stay back with the squad for World Cup 2023.
The IND vs AUS 3-match ODI series will begin on September 22. Meanwhile Team India will begin their Asian Games campaign on October 3. While Tilak has not been included for the final ODI which is set to take place on September 27, good performances in first two ODIs might tempt the management to put Tilak as World Cup reserve.
Shreyas Iyer’s fitness concern keeps Tilak Varma in hunt
Shreyas Iyer’s back injury has also raised concern for selectors. And with the team management keen on an explosive left-hander in the middle-order, Tilak Varma might get a chance to be part of the World Cup squad.
Notably, Tilka Varma had a contrasting debut in T20I and ODI format. The 20-year-old was India’s top scorer with 173 runs in four innings in T20I series against West Indies. However, he got dismissed on 5 on his ODI debut against Bangladesh in Asia Cup Super 4 clash.
Team India’s Squad for first two ODIs:
KL Rahul (Captain), Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Tilak Varma, Prasidh Krishna, R Ashwin, and Washington Sundar
Team India’s Squad for final ODI:
Rohit Sharma (C), Hardik Pandya, (Vice-captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel*, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, R Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj
