'I See Tilak Varma As An Option': Ganguly Picks The Young Left-Hander For The No.4 Spot
Tilak Varma has been impressive in his short international career [Twitter]
Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has dismissed the suggestions that the national team does not have enough options at the No.4 spot, in case the incumbents are ruled out.
India have been grappling to plug the gap at the No.4 spot ahead of the upcoming World Cup following uncertainty over the availability of Shreyas Iyer.
While Iyer is sweating it out at the National Cricket Academy in a bid to be fit for the marquee event, there still remains a possibility that he may not make it to the WC.
Keeping this in mind, the Indian management has tried explosive T20 batsman Suryakumar Yadav to plug the gap that Shreyas left, but with very little success.
But, Ganguly isn't too bothered as he feels that 20-year-old left-handed batsman, Tilak Varma, is a perfect like-for-like replacement, in case Iyer is ruled out.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of an event in Kolkata, Ganguly said:
"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. I see Tilak Varma as an option, being a left-hander. He 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,"
Speaking of Tilak, the southpaw got off to a brilliant start to his international career in a recent T20I series in the Caribbean. As per reports, his name is likely to be discussed for the Asia Cup in the forthcoming meeting of the national selection committee.
Team India's squad for the Asia Cup is likely to be picked on Sunday, August 21.