ICC World Cup 2023: "Who Said We Don't Have A No. 4?" - Sourav Ganguly Backs Tilak Varma's WC Selection

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly opened up about the No.4 batter for Team India in the ICC World Cup 2023. He said that if Shreyas Iyer is not fit, the Men in Blue have a wonderful option in Tilak Varma, who is a left-hander.

The No.4 spot in the Indian team for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023 has been a talking point. Shreyas Iyer has been injured for a while now and no other batter has chipped in and locked that position in his absence. He’s nearing the fitness but his form will be the biggest concern.

Tilak Varma has been one of the names that have popped up and many experts have raised calls to include him in the team. He has taken the cricketing world by storm with the kind of display he has shown in his maiden series for India against West Indies.

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Tilak Varma batted with immense maturity in the series and carried the Indian lineup, which speaks a lot of his caliber. The left-hander looked unfazed by the pressure of international cricket and him being a left-hander will be a great asset for Team India in the event.

Sourav Ganguly was asked about India’s No.4 during an event and he didn’t back away from picking Tilak Varma, whom he feels is a good player. He said that he also wants to see young Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top as well. He explained (as quoted by TOI):

“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. I see Tilak Varma as an option, being a left-hander.

“He (Tilak) is a very good young player, not with much experience, but it does not matter. I also want to see the young left-hander (Jaiswal) in the side at the top of the order. He has enormous ability and he’s fearless. So, this is a great side.”

ICC World Cup 2023: It has to be a team of experience and people who don’t have any scars – Sourav Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly further went on to say that India need to have a team of experienced players and young players, who can play fearless cricket. He pointed out that skipper Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid will have to pick the best XI. He added:

“It has to be a team of experience and people who don’t have any scars – like Jaiswal, Varma, Ishan Kishan.They can go and play fearless cricket. Rahul (Dravid), Rohit and the selectors have plenty of choices; they just have to identify and pick the best XI.”

Ahead of the World Cup, India will be playing in Asia Cup 2023. They are yet to name the squad for the tournament and reports have suggested that they will be picking the team on the 21st of August. It’s fair to say that it’ll give a fair idea about who will make it into the World Cup.