Amidst the ongoing search for the ideal candidate to fill the No. 4 slot in India's cricket lineup ahead of the World Cup, former captain Sourav Ganguly has voiced his support for Tilak Varma, an emerging talent hailing from Hyderabad. While acknowledging that Varma may lack experience on the big stage, Ganguly suggested that the young player's raw talent and fearless approach make him a viable contender.
Ganguly expressed his thoughts during a Denver event, where he was announced as the brand face, emphasizing the need for a balanced combination of experienced players and dynamic individuals like Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma. "Tilak can be your No. 4, he is a very talented player. He does not have much experience but that does not matter. It has to be a balance between experience and people like Ishan Kishan, Tilak who would go out there and play fearless cricket," Ganguly stated.
Highlighting Varma's left-handed batting style, Ganguly sees him as a suitable option. He also underlined the responsibilities of Rahul Dravid and the selectors in identifying the right players to form the best team composition.
Responding to recent comments by India captain Rohit Sharma about the team's lack of a specialist No. 4 since Yuvraj Singh's departure, Ganguly offered a differing perspective. "I have been reading in the newspaper that we don’t have a No. 4. Who said that? We have so many players. Of course, I think differently. I think this is a fantastic side," Ganguly asserted during Denver event on Friday.
With the likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and potentially Shreyas Iyer, Ganguly believes India possesses a formidable lineup. Ganguly brushed off concerns about the Indian team's recent struggles in the West Indies and their preparation for the upcoming Asia Cup and World Cup.
He acknowledged the tendency for evaluations to swing rapidly based on outcomes. "India is a country where there’s evaluation after every game. Ekdin jeeta toh achha, agla din har gaya toh kharab (First day you win, you are good. The next day you lose, you are bad)," he commented with a smile.
Expressing optimism, Ganguly expects that the team will evolve into a powerhouse by the time of the World Cup, despite experimenting with new players during recent matches. He also singled out young left-hander Yashasvi Jaiswal for his potential impact at the top of the batting order.
Regarding the wicketkeeping role, Ganguly advocated for Ishan Kishan to assume the position, contingent on KL Rahul's fitness. He believes Kishan's playing style opens up opportunities for any team he represents.
Ganguly eagerly anticipates the return of Jasprit Bumrah to the team, drawing on reports from players who have witnessed the pacer's performance at the NCA (National Cricket Academy). "I spoke to a few players recently who saw Bumrah bowling at the NCA and they told me that he’s at his best and that’s good news for India," Ganguly concluded.
