Team India ICC World Cup 2023 Squad: Tilak Varma emerges as contender for middle order slot

India went on an experimentation spree in the limited-overs series against the West Indies but not much came out of it except Tilak Varma emerging as a contender for a World Cup middle-order slot on the back of his exploits in the T20 series.

Ahead of the Asia Cup 2023 and subsequent ODI World Cup 2023, India were looking for options in the middle order in the ODI series but the number four slot remains up for grabs.

Search for Middle Order Options

Knowing that it was their final chance of trying out players ahead of the two multi-nation events, skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli did not bat in the series and watched the action from the sidelines.

With the series going down to the wire, the move was criticised but it allowed Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, and Suryakumar Yadav to make a strong case for themselves.

Before the start of the series, Samson and Kishan were seen as contenders for wicket keeper's spot but by the end of it, the latter emerged as a strong contender for the reserve opener's slot with Rohit and Shubman Gill set to open in Asia Cup.

'Rare Talent' Sanju Samson

Samson got two innings to deliver under pressure and his impactful 51 off 41 balls in the third ODI game was ample proof of his rare talent. More was expected from him in the following T20I series but he could not make it count. However, the team is likely to carry him till at least the Asia Cup 2023 if not the World Cup.

Suryakumar Yadav's Middle Order Audition

In the absence of K L Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar had to ace the middle-order audition but fell short of expectations. Considering what he can do for the team in middle overs, it will be a tough call for management to ignore him for the final 15 for World Cup. Even if Rahul and Iyer regain full fitness in time for Asia Cup beginning August 31, the team will have to be convinced of their form after a long injury layoff.

No.4 Has Been an Issue for Team India

India skipper Rohit said that No.4 has been an issue for a long time and Shreyas Iyer has done well batting at that position. Both KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer are coming off big injuries and surgeries, so their form after a long layoff needs to be considered.

Tilak Varma Emerges as Dark Horse

The 20-year-old Tilak Varma showed remarkable poise and maturity in his debut series for India. His special ability was evident when he whipped an express pacer like Alzarri Joseph for successive sixes in his first international match. R Ashwin backed him as an X-factor player who could make it into the World Cup squad.

Kuldeep Yadav, India's Go-To Spinner

Kuldeep Yadav reinforced his reputation as India's go-to bowler for wickets in the middle overs. He picked up seven wickets in three ODIs, putting himself ahead of Yuzvendra Chahal in the pecking order. Medium pacer Mukesh Kumar also performed well with the new ball on slow Caribbean wickets.

Umran Malik's Disappointing Performance

Umran Malik, known for his raw pace, was not able to step up on the big stage. Despite making his debut last year, he has been unable to raise his game and needs to add more tricks to his bowling according to Brian Lara.