MSK Prasad, the former India selector, has subtly hinted at the potential replacement for the injured Shreyas Iyer in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 and the Asia Cup. Iyer’s injury has created a void in the team’s middle-order batting lineup, prompting discussions about who would step in to fill the gap.
Iyer’s absence from the Indian ODI squad due to injury has led to concerns about his fitness and availability for the highly anticipated World Cup. The 28-year-old has been a key player for the team, particularly holding the No. 4 batting position, which is a crucial role in anchoring the innings and providing stability. Iyer has showcased his batting prowess by accumulating 1631 runs at an impressive average of 46.60 from this position. The Chembur-born cricketer’s consistent performances and ability to handle pressure situations have made him an integral part of the team’s success.
Prasad backs Tilak Varma as a viable contender for the No. 4 batting position
MSK Prasad has endorsed Tilak Varma as a potential candidate for the No. 4 batting position in Team India, particularly for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023. Praising Varma’s composure and talent, Prasad has suggested him as a viable option to fill the void left by the injured Iyer who have missed World Test Championship (WTC) final and the entire IPL 2023 season due to his lower-back injury.
“Look at his List A record for Hyderabad. He has played 25 List A games and has an average of 55 plus. Five hundreds and five half-centuries. It means at least 50 per cent times he is converting fifties into hundreds. A strike rate of 100 plus.” Prasad was quoted as saying by PTI.
“I think it won’t be a bad idea provided Shreyas (Iyer) can’t make it. Only then you can think of Varma. But I am sure he will be a white ball regular for India across formats going forward,” the former wicketkeeper-batter concluded.
Varma showcased his abilities during his India T20I debut in the West Indies. The 20-year-old performances in his initial three T20I innings were impressive, as he recorded scores of 39, 51 and an unbeaten 49*. This achievement put him in the company of Suryakumar Yadav as the only two Indian batters to achieve scores of 30-plus in their first three T20I innings.
Varma has gained recognition for his consistent performances in the IPL. His noteworthy contributions in the 2022 and 2023 IPL seasons, where the southpaw scored more than 300 runs each with an impressive strike rate, caught the attention of selectors. As a result, he earned a place in the Indian squad for matches against West Indies, Ireland, and the Asian Games.
Additionally, Varma boasts a strong List-A record, further emphasizing his potential as a key player. With 1236 runs in 25 matches, including five centuries and five half-centuries, and a top score of 156* at a strike rate of 101.64, the Hyderabad-born cricketer has demonstrated his capabilities in the 50-over format as well.
