Former Australian all-rounder Tom Moody hailed BCCI’s decision to include Tilak Varma in the Team India squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023. On Monday, the BCCI’s All India Senior Selection Committee led by chief selector Ajit Agarkar finally announced the much-awaited 17-member squad for the multi-nation tournament, which is all set to be played in Pakistan and Sri Lanka beginning August 31.
Tilak Varma has impressed one and all in his debut series against West Indies. The youngster looked technically sound and showed the intent and aggression required for the international stage. Riding on his terrific performances, the star batter has finally received his maiden call-up for the ODI format and what could be a better stage to prove his worth than this grand competition?
Tom Moody Hails India’s Brave Decision To Include Tilak Varma For Asia Cup 2023
Varma was included in the squad as the sixth specialized batter alongside skipper Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and Suryakumar Yadav.
During the press conference, the BCCI’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained the reason behind Tilak Varma’s inclusion in the team for Asia Cup. He showered praise at his recent performances and the temperament at which he played. He said:
“In West Indies, we saw some real promise in terms of not just performances but the temperament,” Agarkar said of Tilak’s selection. “And it gives us an opportunity to take him with the team, give him some more exposure; a left-hander again, looks very promising. So fortunately we can take 17 here, it’ll be 15 at the World Cup. So when the time comes we’ll take that decision, but at the moment it at least gives the coach and captain an opportunity to have him with the squad.”
Meanwhile, talking about India’s decision to include the young talent was praised by former Australian all-rounder Tom Moody. He said:
“I think it’s a wonderful selection. I’ll call it brave, but I also call it in the same breath smart,”
He added: “He is clearly a player on the rise, as I touched on earlier. He’s got not only skill but an enormous temperament, and he is showing that on a regular basis.”
We have talked about the value of left-handedness in the top order, so him coming in at that number five or six position is going to be valuable for India, particularly to have that balance against spin.”
Tom Moody also praised the Indian squad selection as he feels that there were no discrepancies behind the decisions. He said:
“Well firstly, what is looking good is the fitness, the tick that both KL Rahul and Iyer have received. You know both quality players, both really do give that middle order somebody and experience,”
