Sourav Ganguly Backs This Youngster To Be India's No.4 In Absence Of Shreyas Iyer

19.08.2023 - 14:19 sports.ndtv.com

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly on Friday said promising left-hander Tilak Varma should be India's choice for No 4 batsman at the ICC World Cup 2023 if a front-line player like Shreyas Iyer is not available.

Shreyas has been recuperating at the NCA after a surgery on his injured back. But Ganguly said India has several options for the crucial No 4 slot. "Who said we don't have a No.

4? We have so many (batsmen) who can bat at that spot. I think differently; my mindset is different. This is a fantastic side," Ganguly said on the sidelines of a Denver event where he was announced as the 'Brand Face.' "I see Tilak Varma as an option, being a left-hander," Ganguly said, highlighting Varma's adaptability and fearless approach to the game.

The 20-year-old left-hander made an impressive 22-ball 39 on his T20I debut against the West Indies, followed by scores of 51 and 49 not out in his next two outings.

cricket India Cricket Team Shreyas Iyer Sourav Ganguly Tilak Varma India

The most-awaited squad for the upcoming Asia Cup was announced on Monday with Rohit Sharma leading the pack, along with all-rounder Hardik Pandya appointed as the vice-captain. The series will also be special it will mark the return of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, who were out due to their respective injuries. However, during the announcement of the squad, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar revealed that the 31-year-old batter has picked up another niggle and is unlikely to play the first match against Pakistan on September 2.

Shreyas Iyer Thanks NCA Staff Following Return From Injury To Asia Cup Squad

Indian batter Shreyas Iyer extended his thanks to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) staff who helped him find his way back into the Indian cricket team for the Asia Cup 2023 after a back injury. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday announced a strong 17-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023 which will begin on August 30 with Jasprit Bumrah, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul returning to the squad and Tilak Verma also getting a place in the team

KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer Rushed Into India's Asia Cup Squad Despite 'Very Little Game-Time'? Sunil Gavaskar's Clear Take

The Asia Cup 2023 squad of the India had two stars returning from injury after a long time - KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer. While Rahul has been out of action since May with a thigh injury while Iyer last played an international game in March. Rahul sustained an injury in the match against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on May 1. He was in rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy. However, with the Asia Cup having a provision to name a 17-member squad, the duo was included for the continental event.

"One Batting Slot Does Not Make Much Of A Difference": Sourav Ganguly On Number 4 Position

Former captain Sourav Ganguly on Monday said India have a lot of options for the No 4 position in their ODI side, and stressed that one position alone will not win important tournaments like the World Cup. Ganguly said the team management should zero in on one player and give him a long rope at the No 4 slot. “India has enormous talent. I keep hearing about this...we don't have this or that but we have too much and that is the problem that we cannot decide.

"Not The Original Injury": Why Sanju Samson Was Selected As Asia Cup Back-Up

Rahul and Shreyas Iyer were on Monday named in India's squad for the Asia Cup, beginning August 31 while young batter Tilak Varma earned a maiden call-up to the one-day format. There were question marks over the fitness of Rahul and Iyer, who are making a comeback after undergoing thigh and back surgeries respectively. Iyer last played in March and Rahul in May. Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has been added to the squad as a back-up for Rahul who has developed a niggle recently.

Who Can Solve India's No. 4 Conundrum In Asia Cup 2023?

With exactly nine days left for the start of the 2023 Asia Cup, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to announce India's squad for the event on Monday. The squad announcement will take place during BCCI's meeting in Delhi, with both head coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma part of the conversation. From Jasprit Bumrah's comeback in the ongoing T20I series against Ireland, to the fitnes off KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, the management will have plenty of tough calls to make before churning out the strongest-possible squad.