'If Tilak Varma Is Hot...,' Ravi Shastri Shares Plans For World Cup 2023

image-lldg6wgxTilak emerged as the top run-scorer for India in the West Indies T20Is. (Twitter)

Amidst the selection quandary, former India head coach Ravi Shastri has suggested the inclusion of three left-handers, including all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, in the lineup. Shastri recommended retaining wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan in India's ODI setup, and proposed considering either Tilak Varma or Yashasvi Jaiswal if necessary.

Speaking on Star Sports, Shastri emphasized the need for two more left-handers alongside the mentioned top four positions. He highlighted the importance of the selectors' role in identifying in-form players like Tilak Varma or Yashasvi Jaiswal to enhance the team's composition.


Here is what Ravi Shastri said, 

“There are three other positions where I think two left-handers have to come in, apart from the top four you mentioned. Now this is where the selectors’ role comes in because they are watching. They know who’s the guy who’s hot. If Tilak Varma is hot, bring him in. If you think Yashasvi Jaiswal is hot, bring him in.”  


“So, if you have persisted with Ishan Kishan for the last 6 to 8 months and he’s going to keep wickets, he comes in, in any case. But get two left-handers. Including Jaddu, there should be three left-handers in the top seven. Ishan Kishan has been keeping it for the last 15 months. Why go somewhere else?"

The ex-Indian cricketer also expressed admiration for Tilak Varma, who recently made his T20 debut and emerged as India's leading run-scorer in the series, amassing 173 runs with an impressive average of 57.57. Shastri supported Varma's inclusion ahead of the ICC ODI World Cup, particularly valuing the left-handed aspect.

“Very Very impressed with Tilak Varma. And I want a left-hander. If I am looking for a left-hander, I would really look in that direction."

With the ODI World Cup 2023, India's most significant cricketing event, just around the corner, decisions regarding the squad and potential playing XI remain pending for the Indian cricket team.