'I am surprised': Ex-cricketer slams Indian team management for promoting Tilak Varma

The Indian cricket team pulled off a narrow win by two runs (DLS) against Ireland in the first T20I match played at the Malahide Cricket Ground in Dublin. The Indian team was chasing down a total of 140 runs, however, the match was called off due to rain during the seventh over of the Indian innings. The visitors were two runs ahead of the DLS par score at that time, Team India ended up being the winners of the match. The match was special for Indian pacer and skipper Jasprit Bumrah as well because he was making his return to the cricketing field after a gap of 327 days. 

3 things you need to know 

• Jasprit Bumrah was adjudged Player of the Match in the first IND vs IRE T20I match 
• Bumrah picked up a two-wicket haul on his return to international cricket 
• Team India lead the three-match series by a scoreline of 1-0 

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Abhishek Nayar is skeptical about Tilak Varma's batting promotion 

(Tilak Varma while playing a shot during the third IND vs WI T20I match / Image: AP)

Young Team India batter Tilak Varma had a wonderful tour of the West Indies and was the team's highest run scorer in the T20I series. Though, Tilak was not able to continue his dream form and got dismissed for a golden duck in the first IND vs IRE T20I match. Varma, who played at number four in his debut international series against West Indies, was promoted to number three against Ireland and got removed off the first ball. 

Former Indian cricket team all-rounder Abhishek Nayar raised questions about Tilak Varma's batting promotion in the first IND vs IRE T20I match. Nayar said during a discussion on Jio Cinema:

I am surprised with a lot of the decisions that are made. You have seen Tilak Varma do well at No. 4 and Sanju Samson is someone who has batted at No. 3. It shouldn't matter whether he is right-handed or left-handed. You have got five left-handers in the team. You have a left-arm spinner in the opposition. Paul Stirling bowls a bit of off-spin and it doesn't matter on this pitch because the ball isn't turning. Let him bat at four. He is doing well. Don't tinker with the batting order. Let him continue batting at four.

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Tilak Varma in contention for Asia Cup and ODI World Cup 2023 

Tilak Varma earned a place in the Indian cricket team squad after his excellent performance for the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2023. Varma scored 343 runs from 11 matches at a strike rate of 164.11. Varma impressed with his performance in his debut international series against Windies, and with the Indian squad for the Asia Cup 2023, expected to be announced within a few days, the selectors will definitely debate on the name of the young Indian left-handed batter.