Asia Cup 2023: Players like Tilak Varma can put pressure on Suryakumar Yadav, says Matthew Hayden

Australian batter Matthew Hayden feels the inclusion of Tilak Varma in the Asia Cup 2023 squad is a good strategy as it will put pressure on batters like Suryakumar Yadav and keep them honest.

Tilak was rewarded for his strong performances in the tour of West Indies with a spot in the squad for the upcoming tournament as it was announced on August 21. The young batter is in line to make his ODI debut.

Tilak’s recent performance in the T20I series against West Indies garnered attention, with a remarkable tally of 173 runs from five games, making him the highest run-scorer of the series.

On the other hand, Suryakumar, who has been prolific in T20Is, hasn’t replicated the same form in the 50-over game. In the 26 ODI matches he has played, the Mumbai batter has scored a total of 511 runs in 24 innings, at an average of 24.33, which is considered subpar.

As quoted by PTI, Hayden said that it was a goof strategy by India to include a player like Tilak in the squad as it will put pressure on batters like Suryakumar and keep them on their toes. The Australian great also suggested that India has selected a great squad for the tournament.

“We’ve seen the class of Tilak Varma. I think it’s a good strategy in terms of not just this World Cup but even potentially getting into the next World Cup as well,” Hayden said on the sidelines of the CEAT Cricket Rating Awards ceremony in Mumbai.

“The great thing about India is it’s got a really solid one-two-three combination. Similar to Australia actually, when you look at their last four or five months, they’ve had a really good and strong – what we like to call – the engine room. And then they’ve got some good problems to solve through the middle order.”

“And if they can fill spots with talented young players like Tilak Varma, put pressure on someone like Suryakumar Yadav, I think that’s a good strategy. Keep everyone honest in the side and performing. So not a bad move. I think it’s a great side.”