New Delhi, August 30: As the preparations for next year's ODI World Cup take centre stage, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is looking to put Tilak Varma as a potential backup option to Shreyas Iyer, in order to solve the middle-order mess of the India team.
According to a report by the Times of India, Tilak Varma, being a left-hander, brings a variation to the batting lineup, which is heavily dependent on the right-handers. Furthermore, the Mumbai Indians cricketer has been asked to hone his bowling skills, seeing potential in his off-break bowling. The decision has also been fueled by a dearth of bowling options at the top of the order, creating extra pressure on the lower order and the bowlers.
India's preparations for the ODI
World Cup are expected to gather momentum only after the team reaches New Zealand in October. Most of the first-choice players are likely to miss the ODI series against the West Indies at home, beginning September 27, while a full-strength T20 squad is scheduled to travel to Japan for the Asian Games during the same period.
"Head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill feel there isn't any backup ready for the middle order. With Hardik Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy being prone to injuries, they want someone in the top order who can at least chip in with four overs in an ODI," the BCCI source said, quoted by The Times of India.
Over the past year, the team management has often turned to Washington Sundar or Axar Patel in the No. 6 position, underlining the need to develop a more reliable middle-order option ahead of the World Cup.
Middle-Order Musical Chair
India's recent selection decisions have also raised questions over the middle-order options. During the previous series in England, Ishan Kishan was promoted in the batting order ahead of vice-captain Shreyas Iyer.
The team management is keen to build a squad capable of handling the pace, bounce and overall conditions expected in South Africa during the World Cup. Iyer's recent injury in Australia has also meant that his ability to consistently counter pace and bounce remains under scrutiny.
With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli entering the later stages of their careers and both having dealt with fitness concerns, India are also looking at the next generation of players. KL Rahul will be above 35 by the time the World Cup takes place, while Ravindra Jadeja's place in the squad is not considered guaranteed.
Fitness has also become a concern in the field, with injuries affecting India's athleticism. As a result, the management is understood to be focused on developing younger players who can serve as dependable backups and ensure greater depth in the squad.
India Team For Afghanistan Series To Be Announced By Sept 3
The selection committee is expected to meet by September 3 to finalise India's squad for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, scheduled to be played in Delhi from September 13.
According to sources, the selectors are likely to stick with the squad picked for the Asian Games that follow. The committee is still awaiting official fitness updates on Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Jasprit Bumrah. Meanwhile, Varun Chakravarthy is understood to have recovered fully and regained match fitness.
