Former India player Aakash Chopra has noted that Washington Sundar might not be persisted with in the Men in Blue’s ODI setup if his bowling numbers don’t improve. He reckoned that Tilak Varma could be picked instead if the spin-bowling all-rounder is not expected to bowl.
The final ODI of the ongoing three-match series between India and England will be played at Lord’s on Sunday, July 19. While Washington was part of the visitors’ playing XI in the first two ODIs, Tilak isn’t part of the 15-member squad.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, ‘Aakash Chopra,’ the former India batter was asked whether Tilak should be tried in place of Washington in ODIs, considering the latter’s limited usage with the ball.
“If Washi’s bowling numbers don’t improve, why would you carry him? If he is not bowling, he is not an all-rounder. If he has to only bat, Tilak Varma can also do that, or someone else can do that. Plenty of things might actually happen, but it’s not a bad suggestion,” he responded.
However, Chopra noted that Tilak’s place in India’s T20I side was also being questioned recently, with Rajat Patidar being suggested as a potential replacement.
“I am very curious because when Tilak is playing, it’s asked why he is being played and why he has been made the vice-captain, as his numbers against spin have become bad, and that he should be dropped and Rajat Patidar should be brought in his place,” he observed.
Tilak Varma didn’t enjoy great success in the recently concluded five-match T20I series between India and England. The Mumbai Indians (MI) batter aggregated 104 runs at an average of 26.00 in five innings in the visitors’ 4-0 series loss.
“Tilak will also bowl as many overs” – Aakash Chopra on Washington Sundar’s utilization in ODIs
In the same video, Aakash Chopra noted that Washington Sundar is sparingly used as a bowler in ODIs and that Tilak Varma, who is a better batter, can bowl as many overs.
“Tilak’s name isn’t there in ODI cricket. Washi’s name is there, and he gets a lot of chances to play. He is mostly expected to bat, or else he delivers as a batter, not as much as a bowler. It’s a valid question because if you are searching for a batter who can bowl a few overs, Tilak will also bowl as many overs, and Tilak will bat better than Washi,” he said.
The cricketer-turned-commentator added that a little more confidence can be shown in Tilak in ODIs, considering he is the T20I vice-captain.
“So, if he is your T20I vice-captain, why not invest a little more faith in Tilak’s abilities, that you make him a part of ODIs as well? I think that can also happen. I feel we will see a lot of changes until 2027, and players coming and going,” Chopra observed.
Tilak Varma has represented India in five ODIs, scoring 68 runs at an average of 22.67 in four innings. He was included in the playing XI in the third ODI against South Africa last year, but didn’t get to bat.
Edited by Kartik Iyer