Reports: Tilak Varma Set to Feature in Team India’s ODI World Cup 2027 Plans

The ODI World Cup 2027 is just 12 months away from commencement, and Team India is looking to build a formidable squad. As per the latest reports, the selectors are likely to include Tilak Varma as a backup batsman for Shreyas Iyer in the middle order.

In contrast to the T20I batting line-up that features a mix of right- and left-handed batters, India’s ODI squad features a plethora of right-handed batters. Tilak, as a left-hander, adds variety to the star-studded batting line-up that is heavily dominated by right-handers.

Unlike the T20Is, the 23-year-old hasn’t established his worth in the ODI format, but the selectors are looking for backup options that could add pressure on Iyer’s position.

3 Reasons Why Tilak Varma Should Be Included for the ODI World Cup 2027?

As the selectors would consider age, fitness, and a backup batter in the middle order, Tilak Varma emerges as the strongest contender to feature in India’s squad for the ODI World Cup 2027:

1. No Backup Batter in Middle Order

According to the BCCI’s closest source, Indian captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir are clueless about backup options in the middle order. Suppose Shreyas Iyer is benched due to any injury; in such situations, there should be a reliable batter like Tilak Varma in the No.4 spot who can anchor India’s innings in the middle overs.

2. Top Order Should Perform All-Rounder’s Role

Pace bowling all-rounders like Hardik Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy are frequently prone to injuries. Tilak Varma is a full-time batter who doesn’t show an aggressive approach or attacking intent right from the first ball.

Also, there should be someone either in the top or middle order who plays destructive innings with the bat and makes handy contributions with the ball by bowling four to five overs. This would allow Tilak to take his time to settle at the crease and convert his starts into high-scoring knocks.

3. Injury and Age Factors

As the ODI World Cup is approaching next year, the injury and ageing factors of star cricketers have been a huge concern. Shreyas Iyer suffered an abdominal injury during the Australian tour, and there is no proven ability in his batting skills against short balls and huge bounces.

The batting stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are approaching the waning periods of their career and have been prone to niggle injury in recent times.

By the time the next World Cup takes place, KL Rahul would be aged 35. Also, Ravindra Jadeja’s position as a spin-bowling all-rounder is not 100% confirmed.

Tilak’s potential inclusion doesn’t mean that Shreyas Iyer’s position in the ODI squad is unsafe. The left-handed batter’s inclusion is more about future-proofing and adding balance as the selectors are keen to have a backup player if Iyer or any key player struggles with form or fitness.

4. Younger Fielders

The ODI squad consists of several players aged above 30. In recent times, fitness issues have been a prime concern for India’s fielding across all formats of international cricket. Having younger fielders with quick reflexes before the World Cup would not only help the team to save runs but also take crucial catches and perform run-outs.

The forthcoming West Indies series at home in September and the New Zealand tour in October could be an opportunity to feature Tilak Varma in the ODI squad, who can shine in the batting and fielding departments.

5. Part-Time Off-Spinner

Apart from being a left-handed batter, Tilak Varma’s proven abilities as a part-time spinner can open a new dimension in the bowling line-up. Having claimed a few wickets across multiple formats (T20Is: 5, First Class: 8, List A: 11, and T20s: 12), Tilak could fill up the specific gaps in the spin bowling attack.

6. Best Performing Batter in South African Conditions

Tilak Varma’s experience of playing on South African pitches (back in the T20I series in 2024) makes him a perfect choice as a consistent batter in the No.4 position. Having scored two consecutive centuries (*107 and *120), the southpaw’s ability to play constructive and destructive knocks on pace-friendly pitches can be a boon for India’s batting line-up.

Also Read: Historic Feat: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Becomes Youngest Team Captain at the Age of 15

Tilak Varma’s Record in White Ball Cricket

After analyzing Tilak Varma’s stats, it is understood that the selectors should priortize his inclusion as a back-up batter in the middle order rather than experimenting with the batting line-up within a short time.