Tilak Varma’s inclusion was one of the highlights of India’s Asia Cup 2023 squad announced by the BCCI men's selection committee on Monday (August 21).

The southpaw made his India debut during the T20I series against West Indies earlier this month. He instantly left a mark with his consistency and maturity, registering scores of 39, 51*, 49*, 7* and 27 from five innings.

Varma’s brilliance in the shortest format resulted in him receiving a maiden call-up to the India ODI side.

While many experts have supported Tilak Varma’s selection, former India chief selector Kris Srikkanth has called for patience with the promising left-hander.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth said the Indian team management shouldn't be looking to hand Tilak a debut in a big tournament and let him first gain experience by playing a few ODI series.

Srikkanth acknowledged Varma’s talent but went on to say that the team management should look to groom him till the 2027 ODI World Cup.

"Tilak Varma, the point that I'm making was also conveyed by Ganguly. Don't give him a debut in a big tournament. First, let him play a few ODI series. Ganguly also had the same point of view," Srikkanth stated.

"Tilak Varma has fantastic potential. Tilak Varma is a brilliant player. But don't let him be in the playing lineup for the World Cup. Let him play in a few ODI series and then the upcoming T20 World Cup and groom him till the next ODI World Cup. There is something called grooming a youngster," he added.

India will begin their Asia Cup 2023 campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan in Pallekele on September 2.