Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly feels India could use Tilak Varma at No.4 after the youngster showed promise during the recently concluded trip to West Indies.
The team management has been dealing with a middle-order crisis since the 2019 World Cup and it has grown even more complex with injuries to KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant.
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A few days back former India coach Ravi Shastri revealed that he considered Virat Kohli for the No. 4 position during the previous 50-over World Cup as he was at his wits end to solve the issue.
Now Ganguly has come out and suggested that Varma could be the one to solve India's problems in the middle order.
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What did Sourav Ganguly say about Tilak Varma?
"Who said we don't have a No. 4? We have so many (batsmen) who can bat at that spot. I think differently; my mindset is different. This is a fantastic side," Ganguly said on the sidelines of a Denver event where he was announced as the 'Brand Face.'
"I see Tilak Varma as an option, being a left-hander," Ganguly added.
Ganguly also backed Yashasvi Jaiswal (back-up opener) and Ishan Kishan to shine ahead of the ICC World Cup in October.
"He (Tilak) is a very good young player, not with much experience, but it does not matter. I also want to see the young left-hander (Jaiswal) in the side at the top of the order. He has enormous ability and he's fearless. So, this is a great side," said Ganguly.
"It has to be a team of experience and people who don't have any scars -- like Jaiswal, Varma, Ishan Kishan. They can go and play fearless cricket. Rahul (Dravid), Rohit and the selectors have plenty of choices; they just have to identify and pick the best XI.
"Pant is the best wicketkeeper in the country, but you can see Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul (depending on his fitness); these two will be right up in Rohit's and Rahul's minds. I like Ishan Kishan because he just opens up the game for any team. I am sure Dravid will keep him in his plans," he said.
Jasprit Bumrah will shine at the World Cup - Sourav Ganguly
"I've spoken to some players at the NCA, and they said he's at his best...Bumrah was bowling at almost 90 miles per hour the other day. That's great news for Indian cricket," he said.
"With Bumrah, (Mohammed) Shami, (Mohammed) Siraj, they have a fantastic attack to go with (Ravindra) Jadeja, Axar (Patel), Kuldeep (Yadav); they have enormous talent. How can that team be unsettled? It's just that they played new players in the West Indies and you will see that by the time the World Cup comes, and when they pick the team, it will be a top side. It's about how you play during that tournament," said Ganguly.
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Who are Sourav Ganguly's top five picks for the ICC World Cup?
Ganguly feels India will be among the favourites in the upcoming World Cup.
"I presume Australia will be one; England, Pakistan, don't rule New Zealand out; and then there's South Africa...
"But if you ask my best five at the moment, it's Australia, England, India, Pakistan and New Zealand," he said.
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