Why County Debut Centurion Tilak Varma Should Be Fast-Tracked To India's Test Squad

Why Tilak should be picked in India Test squad [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com]

Tilak Varma made a statement to the Indian selectors with a career-defining first-class century in the County Championship match. Playing for Hampshire against Essex, Tilak came out to bat at number 4 and in a pressure situation, the batter responded with a fine century for his County side.

This was his 6th first-class ton in the 19th match as the batter went from strength to strength and made a case for his inclusion in the India Test team. The batter played on a tricky surface and yet came out with flying colours. Hence, the big question arises, should Tilak be picked in the India Test squad?.

Tilak's stellar first-class record makes a case for his inclusion

For all his accolades in T20 cricket, people often forget that Tilak has a solid technique, which is tailor-made for Test cricket. The Hyderabad batter showcased his class in overcast conditions against Essex and his first-class record speaks about his caliber in red-ball cricket.

(Tilak Varma in FC cricket)

As the numbers tell the story, the southpaw averages 50.16 in first-class cricket and already has 6 tons in 19 innings. He has 1304 runs and it showcases that not only in white-ball cricket but Tilak has also excelled in Tests as well.

Plus, he just scored a County Championship hundred in challenging conditions and it showcases his ability to perform in difficult circumstances.

Who should Tilak Varma replace if the chance arrives

Almost all the batting positions are sorted in the Indian team but there are two slots where there is still some debate going on. Number 3 and number 5. Interestingly, Karun Nair bats at number 5 and if India plan to replace Nair, they already have Nitish Reddy in the ranks.

That leaves the number 3 spot occupied by Sai Sudharsan. Now, his position is not guaranteed in the team and if the left-handed batter fails to deliver in the ongoing Test series against England then there is a good chance that Tilak could be the one to replace Sudharsan. 

Sudharsan's record goes against him

When Sudharsan was picked in the team, eyebrows were raised as his domestic performance and numbers weren't really the best in the business.

(Sudharsan first-class stats)

An average of 39 and 1957 runs in 29 matches doesn't make up for an excellent domestic record, especially when you compare it with Tilak Varma. He was selected because of his excellent technique and IPL record but if the batter fails to deliver in the remaining matches Vs England, he could be shown the exit door and this could be the entry point for Tilak Varma at number 3.

Tilak did wonderfully well on his first outing in England, while Sudharsan couldn't do much. Hence, a couple of more failures could prompt the team management to look at the Mumbai Indians batter at number 3.

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