Pathan’s Bold Call: Tilak Varma for India’s No. 4 Spot

Pathan’s Bold Call: Tilak Varma for India’s No. 4 Spot

In a move that has sent ripples through the cricketing world, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has made a compelling case for Tilak Varma No. 4 in the Indian ODI setup. With the team’s regular middle-order lynchpin, Shreyas Iyer, ruled out due to a serious injury, the No. 4 position is up for grabs. Pathan believes the young southpaw is not just ready, but could be “very effective” in this high-pressure role .

As India prepares to face a formidable South African side in a three-match ODI series starting November 30, the selectors have a golden opportunity to solidify their batting lineup for the future. But is Tilak Varma truly the man for the job? Let’s dive deep into the analysis.

Table of Contents

• The Vacant Throne: Shreyas Iyer’s Absence
• Pathan’s Pitch for Varma
• The Asia Cup Proof
• Competing Claims for the No. 4 Spot
• Why Varma Could Be the Future
• Conclusion: A Calculated Gamble?
• Sources

The Vacant Throne: Shreyas Iyer’s Absence

The void left by Shreyas Iyer is far from an ordinary gap. Iyer suffered a severe blunt injury to his abdomen during the third ODI against Australia on October 25, 2025, which resulted in a lacerated spleen and internal bleeding . His condition, while now stable after hospitalization, means he is expected to be sidelined for a significant period, potentially until early 2026 .

Iyer’s aggressive yet stable batting at No. 4 has been a cornerstone of India’s ODI strategy in recent years. His ability to accelerate the innings after the powerplay or anchor a chase has been invaluable. His absence is a major blow, but it also opens a door for a new talent to step up.

Pathan’s Pitch for Varma

Enter Irfan Pathan. The ex-India star, known for his keen eye for talent, has publicly backed Tilak Varma to seize this opportunity. Pathan’s endorsement isn’t just a casual opinion; it’s based on Varma’s recent performances under extreme pressure .

“I see Tilak Varma being the front runner to grab that number four spot and if that happens then it will be a big boost for the Indian team,” Pathan stated, highlighting the young batsman’s potential to handle the responsibility . This call provides a strong vote of confidence from a respected figure in Indian cricket.

The Asia Cup Proof

Pathan’s faith in Varma is most likely anchored in the batter’s stellar performance in the 2025 Asia Cup final against Pakistan. With India reeling at 20/3 in a chase of 148, the pressure was immense. Tilak Varma, however, was ice-cold.

He played a captain’s knock, an unbeaten 69 off just 53 balls, laced with 3 fours and 4 sixes, to guide India to a thrilling five-wicket victory and their ninth Asia Cup title . His ability to absorb pressure, rotate the strike, and find boundaries at will in a high-stakes final was a masterclass in modern ODI batting . This innings wasn’t just a good score; it was a statement of intent and a perfect audition for the No. 4 role he may soon occupy.

Competing Claims for the No. 4 Spot

While Pathan is a strong advocate for Varma, he isn’t the only name in the frame. India’s squad for the South Africa series is stacked with quality batters, all of whom could make a case for the vacant position.

• Rishabh Pant: The wicketkeeper-batter is back in the ODI fold and offers explosive power. However, his primary role behind the stumps might complicate a move to the crucial No. 4 spot, which demands a more stable presence.
• Ruturaj Gaikwad: A technically sound batsman who has impressed in the shorter formats. He’s more of a top-order player, but his consistency could see him pushed down the order.
• Washington Sundar: The all-rounder provides balance to the side and can bat, but he’s unlikely to be seen as a specialist No. 4 batsman for a long-term solution.

The official squad, led by captain KL Rahul in the absence of the injured Shubman Gill, includes all these players, making the final decision a fascinating one for the team management .

Why Varma Could Be the Future

Beyond the Asia Cup final, there are several reasons why Tilak Varma is a strategic long-term pick for the Tilak Varma No. 4 position:

1. Left-Handed Balance: His southpaw stance provides a crucial balance to an otherwise largely right-handed Indian batting lineup, disrupting the rhythm of opposition bowlers.
2. Proven in Tough Situations: His performances in run-chases, especially under pressure in T20Is where he averages a staggering 92.50, show a temperament to thrive in difficult scenarios .
3. Age and Potential: At just 22, Varma represents the future. Investing in him now, in a key role, gives him the platform to develop into a mainstay of the Indian middle order for a decade to come.

While his ODI record is still in its nascent stages (debuting in the 2023 Asia Cup), his performances in other high-intensity environments like the IPL and for India A suggest he has the skill and mental fortitude to succeed . This is a chance for India to move beyond a short-term fix and build for the future.

Conclusion: A Calculated Gamble?

Irfan Pathan’s bold call for Tilak Varma to take up the No. 4 mantle is more than just an opinion; it’s a well-reasoned argument backed by recent, tangible evidence of the youngster’s brilliance. In the absence of the irreplaceable Shreyas Iyer, the Indian selectors face a pivotal decision. Opting for the experienced but less-specialized options is a safe play. But backing Tilak Varma is a forward-looking, strategic masterstroke that could pay massive dividends. With the ODI series against South Africa on the horizon, all eyes will be on who gets the nod—and whether Pathan’s prophecy comes true.

For more on India’s squad dynamics, check out our analysis on [INTERNAL_LINK:india-odi-squad-depth].

Sources

• Times of India: ‘He can be very effective in ODIs’: Pathan makes bold call for India’s No. 4 slot
• ESPNCricinfo: BCCI confirms Shreyas Iyer’s two-month recovery period
• ICC: Tilak Varma’s match-winning knock powers India to Asia Cup glory