3 days ago
Tilak Varma emerges as India’s middle-order World Cup backup
India is thinking about Tilak Varma as a backup batter for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
He could cover for Shreyas Iyer in the middle order.
Tilak bats left-handed, while many of India’s other top batters bat right-handed.
This could give the team more variety.
The selectors also want him to improve his off-spin bowling.
If he develops it, he might bowl a few overs when the team needs help.
India is concerned about injuries, fitness and the age of some important players.
The team does not want to move players too far from their usual batting positions.
More of India’s World Cup plans may be seen during the tour of New Zealand in late October.
Tilak Varma is reportedly being considered as Shreyas Iyer’s backup for India’s 2027 ODI World Cup plans.
His left-handed batting would add variety to a top six dominated by right-handers.
Selectors want Varma to develop his off-spin and potentially contribute around four overs.
India is seeking younger, flexible backups because of concerns about injuries, fitness and player age.
World Cup planning is expected to become clearer during India’s New Zealand tour in late October.
- Who
- Tilak Varma, Shreyas Iyer, the BCCI selection committee and India’s team management are central to the report.
- What
- India is reportedly considering Varma as a middle-order backup and potential part-time bowling option for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
- Where
- The World Cup is planned for South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
- When
- The tournament is scheduled for 2027; more significant preparations are expected during India’s New Zealand tour in late October.
- Why
- Selectors want greater middle-order depth, left-handed batting variety and additional bowling options while managing age and fitness concerns.
Key facts
- Reported role
- Tilak Varma is being considered as Shreyas Iyer’s potential middle-order backup.
- Tournament
- 2027 ODI World Cup
- Host countries
- South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia
- Batting profile
- Varma is a left-handed batter who can play in the top six.
- Bowling development
- Selectors have encouraged Varma to work on his off-spin, with a possible role of about four overs.
- Selection concern
- India is reportedly worried about limited bowling options among its top-order batters.
- Preparation timeline
- India’s more significant World Cup planning is expected to begin during its New Zealand tour in late October.
Quotes
A BCCI source close to the information
A BCCI source cited by the Times of India
“The team has to be prepared for conditions in South Africa in the World Cup. Iyer got injured in Australia, and his game against pace and bounce is untested of late. The team already has two ageing players in Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. They are having niggles as well. KL Rahul too will be over 35 by the time the World Cup comes around. Ravindra Jadeja isn’t a certainty either. The fielding of the team has suffered due to fitness issues. The team management feels that they need younger backups”
wionews.com
“Head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill feel there isn’t any backup ready for the middle order. With Hardik Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy being prone to injuries, they want someone in the top order who can at least chip in with four overs in an ODI.”
wionews.com
Sources
Related news
Bhuvneshwar Kumar Ready for India Recall, Eyes 2027 World Cup
Ashwin absence massive miss for India in Sri Lanka Tests
Morkel: Heat, Humidity and Soft Ball India's Biggest Test Challenges
Let him play: Rahane urges BCCI to back Rohit
Japan Cricket Boss Defends Asian Games Facilities Against Concerns
Mitsubishi Revives Pajero With 201PS Fifth-Generation SUV
Europe's Bond Selloff Deepens as Middle East Tensions Lift Oil
Uday Kotak Warns Global Bond Markets Face Roller-Coaster Volatility
Global Bond Sell-Off Pushes Japan Yields To 30-Year High
