‘Do not give Tilak Varma a debut’ - Kris Srikkanth reflects on Tilak Varma’s selection in Asia Cup squad

With the Asia Cup 2023 right around the corner, the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) took centre stage and announced the 17-man squad that will be travelling to Sri Lanka to compete in the marquee event. As the squad was announced, one of the most talked-about points was the inclusion of youngster Tilak Varma in the line-up. 

The 20-year-old impressed with his performances when he made his international debut recently in the five-match T20I series against the West Indies. However, despite being named in the Asia Cup squad, it is still unclear whether Varma will feature for India in the tournament, which is scheduled to begin on August 30. 

Seeing his selection in the side, former Indian cricketer Kris Srikkanth came forward to reflect on the same. Srikkanth opined that Varma should not be making his debut in the World Cup, but in the ODIs prior to it. With the return of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer in the Indian line-up, it could be tough for Varma to make his way into the squad.

"Do not give Tilak Varma a debut in a big tournament; play him in the ODI series before that. Tilak Varma is promising. The Asia Cup is a big opportunity for him. We saw some real promise, not only in terms of performances but also temperament, during the T20I series against the West Indies. This will give him exposure," Kris Srikkanth said in a video on his YouTube channel.

Tilak has fantastic potential: Srikkanth

Furthermore, Srikkanth heaped massive praise on Tilak Varma. Despite his talent, Srikkanth opined that the Indian team needs to groom him properly and that he should play a couple ODIs before making his way into the squad for the upcoming ODI World Cup.

"Tilak has fantastic potential, a brilliant player — but he has to play a couple of one-day series before putting him in the WC squad. We need to groom him properly," Srikkanth said.