Former India keeper-batter Saba Karim has backed Tilak Varma as India’s No. 4 for the ODIs against South Africa in Shreyas Iyer’s absence. He also batted for Rishabh Pant’s inclusion as the wicketkeeper and floater in the batting order. Ad Varma has been included in the Indian one-day team following his heroics in the Asia Cup 2025 triumph in the UAE in September. He was the Player of the Match in the final against Pakistan for his unbeaten 69 off 53 balls. During a discussion on ESPNcricinfo, Karim opined that Varma is a good candidate to occupy the No. 4 slot for Team India in the ODIs against South Africa in Shreyas’ absence. Sharing his thoughts on the same, he said: Ad Trending “India is missing out on Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, so they would look to build a very solid No. 4 batter. I see Tilak Varma coming into the XI. A left-hander that gives flexibility to the Indian side.” A number of critics feel that only one of Varma and Pant can be part of the playing XI against the Proteas. Karim, however, reckons that both the players would feature in the same playing XI. He commented: Ad “Pant will be in the XI, but where India wants to use him, we’ll have to wait and watch. Pant, on his own, brings so much of flexibility. You can also use him as a floater. Pant comes in as the keeper-batter, but in white-ball cricket, I have noticed, it is always advisable to have a floating kind of batting order. India would make the changes depending on the situation.” Ad Pant was part of India’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad, but did not play in any of the matches. Varma, on the other hand, has featured in four ODIs so far. “You have to get him in the XI” Saba Karim on Nitish Reddy’s role in IND vs SA 2025 ODIs With Hardik Pandya still unavailable due to injury, India have again picked all-rounder Nitish Reddy in their 15-member squad for the ODI series. While Reddy has got limited opportunities to play for India recently, Karim believes that now is the time to give him a longer run. He elaborated: Ad You have to get him in the XI, give him many more opportunities. Also, see whether he can adapt to different situations. If you have invested so much in Nitish Reddy, this is the right time to give him some more space to perform as a sixth bowling option and a lower-middle order batter. Ad “Hopefully, the Indian management will take these three ODIs keeping your World Cup preparations in mind,” Karim concluded. Reddy has played only two one-dayers for India in which he has scored 27 runs, with a best of 19*. With the ball, he is yet to claim a wicket. × Feedback Why did you not like this content? Clickbait / Misleading Factually Incorrect Hateful or Abusive Baseless Opinion Too Many Ads Other Was this article helpful? Thank You for feedback Follow IPL Auction 2025 Live Updates, News & Biddings at Sportskeeda. Get the fastest updates on Mega-Auction and cricket news Edited by Renin Wilben Albert.
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“I see Tilak Varma coming into the XI” – Former stumper’s huge statement on India’s team combination for IND vs SA 2025 ODIs
