IND vs NEP: Aakash Chopra Questions Team Management Over Tilak Varma's Exclusion From World Cup 2023 Squad

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra expressed concerns over young batter Tilak Varma’s place in the squad for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023. Aakash Chopra highlighted that Tilak Varma could provide a part-time bowling option to the team in the marquee event.

Tilak Varma was included in India’s 17-member squad for the ongoing Asia Cup. However, the latest reports suggest that the southpaw failed to make it into the 15-member squad for the World Cup, along with Prasidh Krishna and travelling reserve Sanju Samson.

Why Did You Pick Tilak Varma – Aakash Chopra

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra pointed out that Tilak Varma shouldn’t be dropped from the squad without getting a chance.

“The question will remain that you have kept Suryakumar Yadav, and I love him to bits, but the truth is that he too doesn’t bowl and in ODIs, his numbers are also not that good. You picked Tilak Varma (in the Asia Cup squad) but why did you pick him?” Chopra said.

Tilak made his international debut during the T20I series against the West Indies. The left-handed batter has impressed with his batting in his debut series but failed to continue in the series against Ireland. He has yet to make his debut for India in the 50-over format.

They Need A Batter At No. 8 – Aakash Chopra

The cricketer-turned-commentator pointed out that Prasidh Krishna hasn’t been given a chance despite being in the squad, as the team management decided to add depth to the batting lineup.

“So the 17-member squad you had picked, they were a token 17. You didn’t gain anything from that. Similarly for Prasidh Krishna. The Indian team have made up their mind that they need a batter at No. 8,” Chopra further added.

“That batter has to be Shardul Thakur if they play three pacers. If an extra spinner plays, then Axar Patel. Personally, I am still a bit 50-50 about whether you will play two left-arm spinners back to back. You don’t even bowl left-arm spinners against left-handers.”

The Rohit Sharma-led team will lock horns with Nepal in their next match at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Monday, September 4.

Also read: IND vs PAK: Aakash Chopra Criticises Virat Kohli’s Dismissal, Says ‘He Wasn’t That Unfortunate Because The Foot Did Not Go Once Again’