Former cricketers Sanjay Manjrekar and Tom Moody have lauded India’s bold decision to include young talent Tilak Varma in the 2023 Asia Cup squad. The announcement was made during a press conference on August 21 by chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar and India’s skipper Rohit Sharma.
The 18-member squad, which also features Sanju Samson as a reserve player, has garnered attention due to the inclusion of 20-year-old Tilak Varma. Varma had showcased impressive performances during his stint with the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League, earning him an international debut. Making his T20I debut during India’s recent West Indies tour, Varma emerged as India’s top run-scorer in the series, amassing 173 runs in five innings with an average of 57.66 and a strike rate exceeding 140. His contributions included a half-century (51) and an unbeaten 49.Despite India’s series loss to West Indies, Varma’s performances caught the selectors’ attention, leading to his inclusion in the Asia Cup squad. Of note, Varma is yet to be capped in the 50-over format but is seen as a potential solution to India’s left-hand batting gap in the middle-order.
Sanjay Manjrekar said
Sanjay Manjrekar praised Varma’s “red-hot” form and highlighted his all-round abilities. He remarked, “He is in hot form. Look at his domestic career, he’s got the numbers to merit a call for India… It is hard to find a weakness in him, in white ball cricket.”
Tom Moody, former Australian cricketer and coach, shared Manjrekar’s sentiment, commending the selection of Varma. He characterized the decision as “brave yet smart,” emphasizing Varma’s rising prowess, skill, temperament, and the left-handed balance he brings to India’s top order.
India, placed in Group B, is slated to kick off their Asia Cup campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan in Pallekele on September 2. Their following fixture against Nepal is scheduled for September 4 at the same venue.
The inclusion of Tilak Varma in India’s Asia Cup squad not only reflects the team’s commitment to nurturing young talent but also demonstrates a strategic move to address key batting challenges. As India’s cricketing landscape evolves, Varma’s entry is anticipated to bring a fresh dimension to the team’s performance in the upcoming tournament.
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