Former India wicketkeeper-batter Robin Uthappa believes that the national selectors and team management should contemplate including the youngster Tilak Varma, in the ODI World Cup team, seeing him as a potential solution to India's middle-order challenges, especially with the injury crises within the team.
Uthappa expressed his faith in Varma's potential for long-term contributions to the national side, lauding the youngster's dedicated and disciplined approach to cricket. Although Varma hasn't played an ODI yet, his 173-run performance in the recent five-match T20I series against the West Indies has certainly turned heads.
"Indeed, he will be a topic of discussion for the selectors because if you're seeking a player who can be an asset for a prolonged period, he appears to have a sound mindset and pursues his cricketing endeavours with commendable diligence," Robin Uthappa commented during a segment on JioCinema.
With premier batters KL Rahul (recovering from thigh surgery) and Shreyas Iyer (recovering from lower back surgery) uncertain for the upcoming 50-over tournament starting on October 5, alternatives like Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson haven't quite sealed their spots, especially for the contentious No. 4 position.
Although Suryakumar is backed by the team management, Samson hasn't quite leveraged his chances. Should Rahul be match-ready, Ishan Kishan might step in as a backup wicketkeeper and standby opener.
"We recognise his ability to shoulder responsibility. Just today, the way he formed a partnership after the initial wickets is a testament to him embracing that responsibility, which is truly impressive," Uthappa observed.
Drawing attention to Varma's all-round capabilities, Uthappa said, "When handed the ball, he seeks to make an impact. He managed to secure a wicket and almost took a spectacular return catch. Moreover, the fact that he bats left-handed adds to his value."
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