Asia Cup 2023: "Tilak Varma Is Doing Everything So That His Name Comes In The Asia Cup Team" - Aakash Chopra

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra expressed delight with young middle-order batter Tilak Varma’s all-round performances in the T20I series against the West Indies. Aakash Chopra highlighted that Tilak Varma should be included in India’s squad for the upcoming Asia Cup.

Tilak Varma scored 27 runs off 18 balls in the series decider held in Florida on Sunday, August 13. He also claimed his first international wicket by dismissing Nicholas Pooran with just his second delivery. Despite his efforts, the visitors suffered an 8-wicket loss in the final match.

Tilak Varma Plays Extremely Well – Aakash Chopra

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra said that Tilak Varma‘s efforts can help his inclusion in the Asia Cup and even the World Cup squad.

“Suryakumar Yadav came and Tilak Varma was alongside him. Tilak Varma’s story is that he hit 19 runs in the sixth over. When he plays, he plays extremely well. Tilak Varma got out to Roston Chase, who took a good diving catch,” Chopra said.

“Tilak Varma also bowled. He hit a six off the second ball he faced (on his T20I debut) and he dismissed Nicholas Pooran off the second ball he bowled. He is an off-spinner and bats left-handed. Tilak Varma is doing everything so that his name comes in the Asia Cup team. He should be there and then the World Cup, you never know,” he added.

Tilak came to the crease in the third over after both openers were dismissed for low scores. He added a crucial 49-run partnership with Suryakumar Yadav before being dismissed by Roston Chase, who took a stunning return catch.

Suryakumar Yadav Was Absolutely Stellar – Aakash Chopra

The cricketer-turned-commentator lauded Suryakumar Yadav for his impressive performance, highlighting his adaptability to the pitch conditions.

“Suryakumar Yadav was absolutely stellar. Once again it seemed like an odd catch might go to hand but he batted beautifully. He played shots all around the park,” he further added.

“The knock was not that quick. What was the reason for that? It was because this pitch was not that good. If it had been an extremely flat pitch, he would have scored runs very quickly but even he needed some time on this pitch,” he concluded.

Suryakumar Yadav scored 61 runs off 45 balls with the help of four boundaries and three sixes. He showed his fighting spirit and batted till the 18th over despite wickets falling from the other end.

Also read: ICC World Cup 2023: Team India Selectors Likely To Consider Tilak Varma For World Cup: Robin Uthappa