While India has plenty of depth in white-ball cricket, the middle order is one area where team management seems to want more security. With the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching, the selectors and team management are reportedly considering bringing Tilak Varma back into the 50-over set-up as a back-up option for Shreyas Iyer.
Tilak was once seen as one of India's potential stars for the 2023 ODI World Cup. He was fast-tracked into the senior setup but failed to make the final cut. Three years on, however, the left-hander has progressed significantly in white-ball cricket, especially in T20I's, and his increasing importance to India's limited-overs plans could give him another route into the ODI set-up.
Why Tilak Varma is back in India's World Cup conversation
According to a report by The Times of India, India's think tank is considering reinstating Tilak into the ODI set-up. His 'left-handed' attribute is one of them.
India's middle-order has primarily consisted of right-handed batters for a while now, with Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul anchoring the innings for quite some time. Tilak's inclusion would add variety, especially when facing pace bowling attacks with good line and length.
However, that is not the only reason why Tilak's name has resurfaced in India's contention for an ODI berth.
The 25-year-old can offer 'part-time' off-spin, providing India with a different option in the middle overs. Hardik Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy have both been restricted by injuries, and the ability to bowl a few overs with the bat in hand could prove to be handy, especially as India set their sights on the World Cup in South Africa.
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“As per the source, head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill feel that currently, India do not have an alternative for the middle-order and want a player who can come in handy when they need to plug gaps with the bat or provide overs with the ball,” the TOI report stated.
This makes Tilak's inclusion even more appealing, as he certainly does not have to immediately replace Iyer. Tilak can be considered a 'young' alternative, who can fill multiple roles while learning from the experience of the current middle-order batters, and prepare for the 2027 World Cup.
India's succession planning for the middle-order needs answers
Back-ups have become a major concern for India in the years leading up to the 2027 World Cup.
Rishabh Pant has been replaced as the second-choice wicket-keeper by Ishan Kishan, who has had his chances, particularly in the middle-order, when Iyer was unavailable in Australia. Ruturaj Gaikwad, on the other hand, had a sublime opportunity when he was handed a start in the third ODI against South Africa in Ahmedabad after Iyer's injury.
Gaikwad's strike rotation and resilience while facing spin had many talking, including a maiden ODI ton against South Africa. However, he has not figured for India since then.
Tilak, therefore, is only the latest in a series of potential alternatives for the middle-order.
The bigger picture, however, is succession planning. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are both entering the twilight of their careers, and Rahul, too, will be approaching his late thirties by the time the 2027 World Cup begins. Ravindra Jadeja's spot in the future squad is also not guaranteed.
India, therefore, is looking to groom young talent and prepare them ahead of time so that they do not have to rush in their appointments when the time comes.
The conditions in South Africa could dictate India's planning. The 2027 World Cup will be held in South Africa, which, in itself, makes the task of the Indian think tank even more challenging. Apart from identifying the best possible batters for the ODI set-up, India also needs to keep in mind the conditions that they will face in South Africa.
India's management is likely to plan their attacking and defensive strategies, especially in the middle-orders, keeping in mind the bounce and pace that they will face in South Africa. It is, therefore, not surprising that Iyer's lack of success against seam and bounce in Australia is also being considered by India's think tank.
In addition, fitness and management of their squad is also a key concern for India. Iyer, Pandya, and Nitish have all been plagued by injuries at different points, which makes a 'backup' option even more necessary. In this scenario, Tilak's 'left-handed' ability and 'part-time' off-spin bowling could be considered extremely valuable.
Tilak Varma's limited ODI experience is a concern
While Tilak's potential to fill multiple roles is an asset, his limited ODI experience is a concern.
Tilak has only played 5 ODIs for India so far, after making his debut during the 2023 Asia Cup. He played his first ODI against Bangladesh, at number three, where he was dismissed for a five-ball five. He later played in India's ODI series in South Africa, the same year.
His most recent ODI outing was in the final of India's home series against South Africa, where he came in as a substitute for Washington Sundar. Tilak bowled 3 overs for 29 runs before being replaced; however, he did not get an opportunity to bat as India chased down a nine-wicket target.
Tilak will have to prove himself more before he can be considered a first-choice batter in the ODI World Cup.
Tilak Varma's journey through the ODI ranks has been an intriguing one. His 'right-hand-left-hand' dilemma has kept many speculating on his future as an ODI batter. However, Tilak has since cemented his spot in India's T20I set-up, while also developing as a T20I captain. He has shown flashes of brilliance with the bat and has had good opportunities to display his leadership qualities.
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It is now up to him to translate that form and experience into the ODI format.
India's home series against the West Indies, starting on September 27, will be a crucial assessment for the Indian management as they prepare for the 2027 World Cup.
For Tilak Varma, the equation is simple. He does not necessarily have to immediately replace Iyer as India's first-choice middle-order batter. However, he will need to get more regular opportunities in the ODI set-up so that he can utilize his 'left-handed' ability and demonstrate that his technique is sound, irrespective of the conditions. He will also have to prove that his part-time off-spin bowling can be a useful addition in the Indian innings.
Tilak Varma's opportunity in the 2023 World Cup came too soon, and he may have to wait for the 2027 edition. If India is serious about building a younger and flexible squad for South Africa, Tilak Varma may no longer be simply a promising backup. He can instead be one of the central figures in constructing India's ODI middle-order for years to come.