The BCCI is reportedly considering adding Tilak Varma to the India A squad for the third unofficial Test against New Zealand A, starting November 7 in Lincoln. The move would give him red-ball exposure before the final two ODIs. His first-class numbers, including a 57.12 average, help explain the selectors' interest.
Why Tilak Varma Is Being Considered
According to a Times of India report, the selectors want Tilak to gain red-ball experience during a gap in his international schedule. He is not part of India's squad for the first three ODIs and has no competitive cricket scheduled from November 2 until the fourth ODI on November 13.
The India A fixture at Bert Sutcliffe Oval would fill that gap. It would also keep him match-ready before he returns for the final two ODIs at Bay Oval in Tauranga on November 13 and 15.
Key dates in Tilak Varma's schedule| Event | Date | Venue |
|---|
| Free calendar begins | November 2 | - |
| 3rd unofficial Test vs New Zealand A | November 7 | Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln |
| 4th ODI | November 13 | Bay Oval, Tauranga |
| 5th ODI | November 15 | Bay Oval, Tauranga |
Tilak Varma's First-Class Record
Tilak has yet to make his Test debut, and he is not currently a fixture in India's red-ball plans. His first-class record, however, is strong for a 23-year-old. He has also captained Hyderabad in the Ranji Trophy.
Tilak Varma first-class career summary| Matches | Runs | Average | Centuries | Fifties |
|---|
| 25 | 1,828 | 57.12 | 8 | 7 |
Conversion Rate Stands Out
He has 15 scores of 50 or more in 25 matches. Eight of those are centuries, a conversion rate of about 53 percent.
An average above 57 across 25 matches is a substantial sample for a batter of his age. It supports the view that his red-ball output is more than a short-term surge.
Recent Red-Ball Form: Duleep Trophy
His most recent red-ball appearance came in the Duleep Trophy, where he represented South Zone. He scored 266 runs in three innings at an average of 266.00. That figure reflects multiple not-outs in a small sample.
Tilak Varma in the Duleep Trophy (South Zone)| Innings | Runs | Average | Notable |
|---|
| 3 | 266 | 266.00 | One century, one score a run short of a second |
Reports suggest the board is looking to groom him within the red-ball setup. Three innings is a limited sample, but the returns are consistent with his longer first-class record.
Bumrah and Pant: Squad Context
Jasprit Bumrah has left for New Zealand after a routine fitness assessment at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. He is named in the squad for the third unofficial Test.
Rishabh Pant is also named in that squad, but his Return-To-Play clearance has reportedly been delayed. That has raised questions over his availability for the India A leg of the tour.
Split-Squad Approach
India are using a split-squad approach on this tour, with the senior team playing five ODIs before the two-match Test series. Several players are being managed with the World Test Championship fixtures in mind. Giving Tilak a four-day game fits that rotation plan.
What to Watch
The key metric will be how Tilak converts starts in a four-day format after a white-ball-heavy period. His conversion rate and average against New Zealand A will show how his first-class numbers translate to overseas conditions. The squad revision has not been officially confirmed, so the final India A lineup remains to be seen.