Team India has officially revealed its squad for the upcoming Asia Cup, a move that is hinting at the selection committee’s consideration for the ODI World Cup squad. With Ajit Agarkar leading the selection committee, the squad for the Asia Cup is expected to serve as a precursor to the eventual World Cup selection. The notable addition to the squad is young left-handed batsman Tilak Varma, who earned his place due to his impressive performance against West Indies in the recent tour.
During a press conference, Agarkar spoke about the World Cup squad, stating, “It is a no-brainer. We have picked these 17 guys (For Asia Cup). There are players coming back from injury. Hope everything goes well for them. September 5 is the deadline (for the WC squad) and there is a camp before we announce the squad. We will have a look at our players and it will be in and around these guys only (the World Cup squad).”
The spotlight, however, falls on young batsman Tilak Varma, who has already achieved significant success at a tender age. He participated in domestic cricket across formats before turning 17 and was part of India’s ICC U19 World Cup squad in 2020, which reached the finals but fell short against Bangladesh.
Ajit Agarkar highlighted Varma’s promise and composure during the T20I series against West Indies, mentioning that the Asia Cup would offer a substantial opportunity for him to showcase his potential. With strong performances in the IPL, where he scored 397 runs in 14 matches in his debut campaign and 343 runs in 11 matches in IPL 2023, Varma’s presence has been notable.
In the recently concluded India-West Indies T20I series, Tilak Varma displayed maturity and composed batting, garnering attention for his cautious approach at the crease. Over five matches, he scored 173 runs at an average of 57.66, including one half-century, with a strike rate of around 139.
Team India’s Asia Cup squad also sees the return of regular ODI stars like Rahul and Iyer, alongside rising star Tilak Varma and T20I performer Suryakumar Yadav. India has been grappling with an unsettled middle-order combination, particularly at the number four position. The Asia Cup will serve as a crucial assessment of India’s readiness for the upcoming World Cup in October and will guide selectors’ decisions for the marquee event.
Dean Hayden, a cricket analyst, suggests that Varma’s inclusion might be part of a strategy geared towards future World Cups. Hayden noted that Varma’s presence in the squad could put pressure on other contenders, like Suryakumar Yadav, who has been vying for the number four position in ODIs. The selection process is not just about the current World Cup but might also factor in the T20 World Cup in 2024.
Tilak Varma’s rise in the squad signals India’s intention to build a formidable lineup for the forthcoming World Cup while leveraging emerging talents.