Former cricketers Ravi Shastri and Sandeep Patil have expressed their support for the inclusion of young talent Tilak Varma in India’s middle-order lineup for the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2023. Shastri, who was the former coach of the Indian cricket team, highlighted Varma’s impressive skills as a left-handed player. He stated that Varma has displayed excellent form and ability to handle pressure in recent matches for Mumbai Indians and the national team. Shastri underlined the importance of having a left-hander in the middle order, similar to players like Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina in the past. He emphasized that Varma has ticked all the boxes for someone so young. Sandeep Patil, a member of the 1983 World Cup-winning team, also spoke highly of Varma and suggested his inclusion in the team along with Suryakumar Yadav. Patil stated that both Varma and Yadav should be part of the playing XI, depending on the team’s balance and the nature of the opposition. Shastri had previously mentioned his intention to include three left-handed batters in the top seven to strengthen India’s middle-order ahead of the Asia Cup and the subsequent World Cup. The support from former cricketers like Shastri and Patil further highlights the promising potential of Tilak Varma and his possible impact on India’s performance in the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2023.