"His stock should have gone up" - Irfan Pathan’s massive statement on Asia Cup 2025 star ahead of IND vs SA 2025 ODIs

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has made a strong statement on Tilak Varma. His comments came after the southpaw’s inclusion in India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa, scheduled to begin on November 30 in Ranchi.

Speaking in a video on his YouTube channel, Pathan said that Tilak can be a good No. 4 player in ODIs, given his ability to handle pressure. He also added that Tilak’s stock should have gone up following his performance in the final of the Asia Cup 2025 against Pakistan, where his unbeaten 69 helped the Men in Blue secure a five-wicket win. Pathan said:

“Keep an eye on Tilak Varma, because of the way he won matches against Pakistan in the T20 finals and handled pressure in the Asia Cup. I felt that after that, his stock should have gone up. He is a player who can do very well in the ODI format." "Ideally, I would like to see him play higher up in T20s at number three, but if he plays at number four in ODIs, that is fine too. He takes time to settle and handles pressure well, which we have seen in recent performances. He is a left-handed batter, good at running between the wickets, and uses shots like the slog sweep effectively when under pressure," he added.

Meanwhile, apart from Tilak Varma, the squad also sees the return of Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Rishabh Pant.

---

“Selectors are considering him as a potential option in ODIs” - Irfan Pathan on Tilak Varma’s inclusion for South Africa series

In the same video, Irfan Pathan said that it remains to be seen whether Tilak Varma will make it into the playing XI for the ODI series against South Africa, while noting that his inclusion in the squad suggests that the selectors are considering him as a potential option in the 50-over format. He said:

“Whether he will get the opportunity is something to watch, and it will certainly be a question. But the fact that he is in the team shows that the selectors are considering him as a potential option in ODIs. He has played ODIs before, scoring fifties, also against South Africa, when KL Rahul was captain. He now has an opportunity if he gets a chance to play.”

The 23-year-old has played four ODIs, scoring 68 runs at an average of 22.66, including one fifty.

Follow IPL Auction 2025 Live Updates, News & Biddings at Sportskeeda. Get the fastest updates on Mega-Auction and cricket news

Edited by Dev Sharma