Ganguly backs Tilak Varma as Hardik’s 2027 cover
Former captain Sourav Ganguly believes Tilak Varma could bat at No. 6 for India at the 2027 ODI World Cup if Hardik Pandya is injured.
“If you don’t have Hardik, then you play a genuine batter at No. 6. Maybe Tilak Varma is an option, being a left-hander,” Ganguly said on Star Sports.
He said Nitish Kumar Reddy could be a straight swap, but he was not sure Reddy can bowl with the new ball. He added that Axar Patel should bat at No. 8, followed by three fast bowlers.
Hardik, 32, has struggled with fitness since the 2026 IPL season. He has not played for India since the T20 World Cup win in March and is currently out with a shin injury.
He has not played an ODI since the 2025 Champions Trophy. With the 2027 World Cup a year away, his fitness remains a big concern for the team.
A Times of India report has also said selectors see Tilak as a middle-order backup for Shreyas Iyer and want him to sharpen his off-spin.
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