Former Indian Test opener Tilak Varma could be the team’s X-factor in the upcoming ODI World Cup. Varma could provide a left-handed batting option to the team in the absence of Rishabh Pant but he lacks International experience in the ODI format. The southpaw has thus far played only three T20Is for the Indian team, in which he has impressed one and all.
Varma has returned with scores of 39, 51, and 49* in the three matches against the West Indies and has looked comfortable at the crease. The 20-year-old has also looked confident and he has batted at his absolute best.
Furthermore, Varma has scored 1236 runs in 25 List A matches at an impressive average of 56.18 with the help of five centuries and as many fifties while playing for Hyderabad. Ergo, Varma could be considered for ODI team before the ODI showpiece.
Speaking on his YouTube Channel, Aakash Chopra said, “Tilak Varma could be that X-factor. He is such a tempting option because you get a left-hander in the middle order and a little bit of off-spin. So he is an option but currently an option.”
“I am not ruling him out at all because of the way he has started and how World Cup history has been. The World Cup history shows that there is some or the other wildcard entry, so why not Tilak Varma?”
The reputed commentator feels either Tilak Varma or Suryakumar Yadav could become the part of India World Cup squad of 15 players. SKY has done a fine job in the T20I format but he is yet to take his chances in the ODI setup.
“There is one place vacant as of now. Either Tilak Varma or Suryakumar Yadav might become a part of India’s 15. The Asia Cup squad has also not come until now. Once the Asia Cup squad comes, you will get an idea about whether Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul are available or not.”
Chopra added Varma could make it to the Asia Cup squad if Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul fail to recover from their respective injuries.
“If they are unavailable for this tournament (Asia Cup), you will see him (Tilak) playing even in the ODIs. He will be a part of the Asia Cup if Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul are unavailable. So the World Cup can also happen, it’s not a bad idea.”
