Team India’s No. 4 conundrum in the 50-over format was been a topic of discussion leading up to the 2019 World Cup. There were a lot of changes made to the crucial batting slot, and yet the middle-order flattered to deceive during the showpiece tournament in England and Wales.
With less than two months remaining for the ODI World Cup 2023, the Men in Blue are in dilemma once again over the No. 4 slot.
While Shreyas Iyer has done well in that position, he is still recuperating at the NCA after a back surgery and his selection for the upcoming quadrennial event isn’t certain yet.
However, former India skipper Sourav Ganguly isn’t concerned at all as he opined that promising left-hander Tilak Varma should be India’s choice for N. 4 spot at the World Cup if Shreyas is not available.
“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,” Ganguly said on the sidelines of a Denver event where he was announced as the ‘Brand Face.’
“I see Tilak Varma as an option, being a left-hander,” Ganguly said, highlighting Varma’s adaptability and fearless approach to the game.
Tilak impressed one and all with his consistency in his debut T20I series against the West Indies earlier this month, registering scores of 39, 51, 49*, 7* and 27 from five innings.
Ganguly further stated that the left-handed trio of Yashasvi Jaiswal (back-up opener), Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper-batter), and Varma should be picked when selectors announce India’s World Cup squad.
“He (Tilak) 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,” said Ganguly.
“It has to be a team of experience and people who don’t have any scars — like Jaiswal, Varma, Ishan Kishan. They can go and play fearless cricket. Rahul (Dravid), Rohit and the selectors have plenty of choices; they just have to identify and pick the best XI,” he added.
Ganguly also tipped India as one of the favourites for the World Cup alongside Australia, England, Pakistan and New Zealand.
“I presume Australia will be one; England, Pakistan, don’t rule New Zealand out; and then there’s South Africa…
“But if you ask my best five at the moment, it’s Australia, England, India, Pakistan and New Zealand,” he said.
(With PTI Inputs)
