As the highly anticipated Asia Cup 2023 inches closer, discussions about team composition have reached a fever pitch. Recent series against Ireland and the West Indies have provided significant insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the Indian squad. However, former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar believes that a conspicuous issue persists—too many right-handed batters in the top seven. In a recent conversation with ESPNcricinfo, Manjrekar made a case for including young batter Tilak Varma in India’s playing XI for their opening clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on September 2 in Pallekele.
But why does Manjrekar advocate for the inclusion of Varma, especially in a high-stakes game like India versus Pakistan? Here are his reasons, explained in detail.
The Tilak Varma Conundrum: Sanjay Manjrekar’s Take on India’s Asia Cup 2023 Opener Against Pakistan:
The Dearth of Left-handers
Firstly, Manjrekar pointed out a glaring imbalance in India’s top seven batters. Except for Hardik Pandya, they’re all right-handers. This issue isn’t trivial, as a lack of variety could make it easier for opposition bowlers to settle into a rhythm. By injecting a left-handed batter like Tilak Varma into the lineup, India could potentially disrupt the opposition’s plans.
Besides, Captain Rohit Sharma has already admitted that finding a solid number 4 has been a challenge for India. Since the exit of Yuvraj Singh, the void remains unfilled. Could Tilak Varma be the answer?
A Need to Strengthen Batting Depth
Secondly, the recent T20I series against the West Indies showed glaring weaknesses in India’s batting. Team India’s head coach, Rahul Dravid, didn’t shy away from acknowledging that batting depth needs improvement. And Tilak Varma, who has impressed at the junior levels, offers an exciting option to bolster that batting depth. He not only has the technique to hold his own but also possesses an aggressive streak that could serve India well in crunch situations.
Sanjay Manjrekar went on to share his preferred XI, which featured Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj as the seamers. His spin duo included Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, while the top order comprised of Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli. Manjrekar suggested that KL Rahul, doubling as the wicketkeeper, could join Hardik Pandya in the middle order, along with either Shreyas Iyer or Tilak Varma.
The Delicate Balance
The tricky part is finding the right balance without disturbing the established chemistry of the team. For instance, Shreyas Iyer has been a part of the team’s plans for a while now. However, Manjrekar argues that the need for a left-hander may tip the balance in Varma’s favour.
It’s evident that Manjrekar’s proposition stems from valid concerns and isn’t merely a shot in the dark. It is a calculated assessment of the current team’s shortcomings and how they could be addressed. The inclusion of Tilak Varma might sound like a gamble to some, but the logic behind it is rooted in strategic thinking.
His Playing XI: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer/ Tilak Varma, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj
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As Asia Cup 2023 is all set to commence, the clock is ticking for Team India to finalize their best XI. The spotlight is now on the selectors and the team management to take the final call. While it remains to be seen whether they heed Manjrekar’s advice, one thing is clear—decisions made now could have far-reaching implications, not just for the Asia Cup but also for the World Cup that follows. Will Tilak Varma make the cut? Only time will tell.
