MSK Prasad names a batsman who can replace Shreyas Iyer if he gets ruled out of Cricket World Cup 2023

Former Indian selector MSK Prasad has chosen his replacement for Shreyas Iyer for World Cup 2023.

In a recent development, the former India selector, MSK Prasad has hinted at the ideal replacement for the injured Shreyas Iyer in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 and the Asia Cup. Iyer’s unfortunate injury has left a void in the team’s middle order, and Varma’s outstanding performances have caught the selector’s attention.

Shreyas Iyer, who has been out of the Indian ODI setup and still raises questions on his availability for the team in the upcoming World Cup, has been India’s key player and has been performing well in the No. 4 position for the team. A pivotal player, he’s excelled at the No. 4 spot, accumulating 1631 runs at a 46.60 average, making his availability crucial for India’s campaign.

MSK Prasad has put Tilak Varma’s name forward, who could take up the No. 4 position instead of the injured Shreyas Iyer, who’s selection looks uncertain for the upcoming ICC event.

Tilak Varma, who made his T20I debut against the West Indies, has displayed remarkable form, scoring 39, 51, and 49 runs in consecutive matches. This consistent run of impressive performances has thrust him into the limelight and made him a strong contender for a significant role on the international stage.

The former selector emphasized that considering Varma’s current form, 

“It won’t be a bad idea provided Shreyas (Iyer) can’t make it. Only then can you think of Varma. But I am sure he will be a white ball regular for India across formats going forward,” told MSK Prasad to PTI.

The selector’s confidence in Varma’s abilities and his potential to contribute effectively to the team’s success.

“Look at his List A record for Hyderabad. He has played 25 List A games and has an average of 55 plus. Five hundreds and five half-centuries. It means at least 50 per cent times he is converting fifties into hundreds. A strike rate of 100 plus,” the former selector Prasad added.

Tilak Varma’s List A record for Hyderabad adds weight to his credentials. With an average of over 55 in 25 List A matches, Varma has consistently demonstrated his batting prowess. Notably, he has converted fifties into hundreds five times, showcasing his ability to capitalize on good starts. His strike rate of over 100 further underlines his capability to accelerate the inning when required.

Former cricketers praise Tilak Varma, consider him for the No. 4 position

Many former cricketers has shown confidence in Tilak Varma who can be an ideal replacement for injured Shreyas Iyer. They have spoken their heart out on twitter praising the young cricketer after his exceptional performances in West Indies.

“Generally, we tend to forget people who are not there. This has been a continuous debate happening around the No. 4 position. We even talked about it during the ODI series. We saw three different batters at that position, Axar Patel was also tried at that position, even though he wasn’t a candidate for that position. At that time, we were still discussing Shreyas Iyer or KL Rahul, right? When they are back, I think Tilak must wait. But at this point in time, if we don’t see them, then why not, Tilak can be tried.” said Akash Chopra

Alongside Akash Chopra, former India fast bowler RP Singh has also spoken about the left-hander.

“He has successfully ticked all the boxes, and the most impressive aspect of his batting lies in his fearless approach right from the first ball. He doesn’t merely swing for the sake of swinging; instead, he evaluates where to place the ball. His profound understanding of the game, including its pace and rhythm, enables him to take calculated risks.” said RP Singh

Looking ahead, India’s prospects in the ODI World Cup 2023 and the Asia Cup take on a new dimension with the emergence of Tilak Varma. His consistent performances and ability to convert starts into substantial scores make him a valuable asset. While the final decision rests with the selectors, Varma’s inclusion could inject fresh energy and depth into the team’s composition.

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