Tilak Varma Recommended For Number Four ODI Spot By Irfan Pathan

Team Selection Update

Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan said that young batsman Tilak Varma should bat at number four in ODIs. India is scheduled to play a three-match ODI series against South Africa starting November 30. The BCCI announced the 15-member squad on Sunday. Shubman Gill is not part of the team because of his neck injury, and KL Rahul will be leading the side.

Rishabh Pant has made a comeback into the ODI squad after almost one year. Ruturaj Gaikwad is also included. The all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who had missed out in the ODI squad during the Australia tour, is back for this series. Shreyas Iyer, the regular number four batsman, is out of action due to injury. Because of that, selectors included Asia Cup performer Tilak Varma in the squad. Irfan Pathan shared his thoughts about this decision on his YouTube channel.

Irfan Pathan's Analysis

Irfan Pathan feels that Tilak Varma has the ability to do well in ODIs also. He spoke about the fact that Tilak played a crucial role in India's victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup final in the T20 format. Irfan said that Tilak can bat at number three in T20s but his batting at number four would be good in ODIs. He said that Tilak first builds his innings, then handles pressure, and later increases his scoring rate. Irfan feels Tilak plays the slog sweep well and runs effectively between the wickets.

Tilak Varma also had batted at number four in the Asia Cup final and remained unbeaten on 69 runs. He helped India win the match by five wickets.