Sunil Gavaskar has backed Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma to be considered for India’s Test squad following the Asian Games 2026 final against Pakistan. The captain praised the two young batters for their temperament under pressure and believes they have the qualities needed to succeed in red-ball cricket.
India secured the men’s cricket gold medal at the Asian Games after beating Pakistan by 19 runs at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin on Saturday. The Shreyas Iyer-led team posted 211/6 and restricted Pakistan to 192/6. Meanwhile, the duo had already impressed during the tournament and in the Duleep Trophy.
Sunil Gavaskar Backs Tilak Varma and Ishan Kishan to Play Tests
Speaking to Sports Today, Sunil Gavaskar believes technique can be developed, but temperament in high-pressure situations is much harder to build. He feels Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma have already demonstrated the mental strength required to handle difficult situations.
Sunil Gavaskar said:
“He seems to relish playing against Pakistan, doesn't he? Remember the Asia Cup final in Dubai, where he took the team to a win? So, he seems to relish playing against the Pakistanis, and it was another fine innings from this young man.
“There are these two young men, Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma, who should be considered even for the red-ball game because they have the temperament for it. The technique can come in. I've always said that technique is fine, but you need temperament, and both these guys have fabulous temperament in pressure situations.
“You look around and ask, who do you want? Then you say, ‘I'd like Ishan Kishan to bat for me, I'd like Tilak Varma to bat for me.’”
Sunil Gavaskar backs Tilak Varma and Ishan Kishan to play Test cricket #tilakvarma #ishankishan #SunilGavaskar #IndiaVsPakistan #INDvsPAK #nikhilnaz #AsianGames2026 https://t.co/LaFsKfsIBR
— Sports Today (@SportsTodayofc) October 3, 2026
Ishan Kishan Strengthens Test Case With Duleep Trophy Double Century
Ishan Kishan has strengthened his case for a Test recall with an outstanding Duleep Trophy campaign. Captaining East Zone in the September 2026 final against South Zone, the wicketkeeper-batter scored 270 off 334 balls in Chennai.
Ishan Kishan spent 522 minutes at the crease during the marathon innings and finished the tournament as its leading run-scorer with 409 runs. Three national selectors were also present to watch his innings, adding further significance to his performance.
During the Asian Games, Ishan Kishan scored an unbeaten 80 against Sri Lanka in India’s semi-final victory before helping India secure the gold medal against Pakistan.
Ishan Kishan has already played two Tests for India, scoring 78 runs at an average of 78.00, with a highest score of 52*. In First-Class cricket, he has scored 3,893 runs in 64 matches at an average of 39.72, with nine centuries.
Tilak Varma’s First-Class Record Strengthens Test Credentials
Tilak Varma has also built a strong case through consistent performances in First-Class cricket. The South Zone captain scored 116 and 51 in the Duleep Trophy semi-final before producing a determined 99 off 211 balls against East Zone in the final.
Tilak Varma showed his ability to occupy the crease and absorb pressure, despite falling just one run short of a century. His overall First-Class record is equally impressive, with 1,828 runs in 25 matches at an average of 57.13, including eight centuries and seven fifties.
Tilak Varma has yet to make his Test debut but has already established himself in India’s white-ball setup. He also played a key role in the Asian Games final, smashing an unbeaten 51 off 22 balls to help India post 211/6.
India then restricted Pakistan to 192/6 to win the gold medal by 19 runs. Hasan Nawaz scored 96 off 51 balls in Pakistan’s chase, while Washington Sundar and Axar Patel took two wickets each. The result gave India their seventh consecutive T20I victory over Pakistan.
