Suryakumar Wanted MI's Tilak Varma In SL T20Is; BCCI Picked Riyan Parag Due To This Reason
Parag was picked because of Tilak's injury [X]
According to The Times of India, the Indian team wanted Tilak Varma for the upcoming Sri Lanka T20Is; however, the selectors were forced to pick Riyan Parag due to the left-handed batter's injury.
Recently, India announced a formidable 15-member squad for the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka.
The BCCI named swashbuckling batter Suryakumar Yadav as India's new T20I captain following Rohit Sharma's retirement from the shortest format.
So, under his guidance, the Men in Blue will kickstart their Lankan tour with a three-match T20I series from July 27.
Parag selected because of Tilak's injury
Riyan Parag, who recently debuted during the Zimbabwe T20Is, was picked ahead of Tilak Varma, with the latter struggling with an injury.
The Times of India also reported that the Indian selectors were impressed with Parag's all-round prowess and recently-developed game awareness.
"Parag is highly talented and has improved his attitude towards the game by several notches. He's now looking to stay at the wicket. To add to his value, he can bowl decently, and is a terrific fielder to boot. The selectors want to nurture him for the future," a BCCI source told TOI.
Thus, it can be inferred that Tilak is in the mix for India's T20I plans in Suryakumar Yadav's captaincy tenure. In 15 T20I innings, Varma has amassed 336 runs, including two fifties, at an average of 33.60 and a strike rate of 139.42.