NEW DELHI: Former India captain Sourav Ganguly suggested on Friday that if a front-line player like Shreyas Iyer is unavailable, talented left-hander Tilak Varma should be India’s choice for No. 4 batting at the ICC World Cup 2023.
Shreyas has been recovering at the NCA following surgery on his ailing back. However, Ganguly stated that India has various choices for the key No.4 slot.
“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 the sidelines of a Denver event where he was announced as the ‘Brand Face.'”I see Tilak Varma as an option, being a left-hander,” Ganguly said, highlighting Varma’s adaptability and fearless approach to the game.
On his T20I debut against the West Indies, the 20-year-old left-hander scored a brilliant 22-ball 39, followed by scores of 51 and 49 not out in his next two appearances.
Ganguly also stated that the left-handed combination of Yashasvi Jaiswal (back-up opener), Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper-batter), and Varma can play fearless cricket and should be chosen when India’s World Cup selection is announced before the September 5 deadline.
Shreyas has been recovering at the NCA following surgery on his ailing back. However, Ganguly stated that India has various choices for the key No.4 slot.
“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 the sidelines of a Denver event where he was announced as the ‘Brand Face.'”I see Tilak Varma as an option, being a left-hander,” Ganguly said, highlighting Varma’s adaptability and fearless approach to the game.
On his T20I debut against the West Indies, the 20-year-old left-hander scored a brilliant 22-ball 39, followed by scores of 51 and 49 not out in his next two appearances.
Ganguly also stated that the left-handed combination of Yashasvi Jaiswal (back-up opener), Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper-batter), and Varma can play fearless cricket and should be chosen when India’s World Cup selection is announced before the September 5 deadline.
“He (Tilak) is a very good young player, not with much experience, but it does not matter. I also want to see the young left-hander (Jaiswal) in the side at the top of the order. He has enormous ability and he’s fearless. So, this is a great side,” said Ganguly.
Ganguly said the Indian team should be a mix of experienced players and fresh faces.
“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.
(With inputs from PTI)
