The BCCI on Sunday named a 15-member Indian squad for the three-match ODI collection towards South Africa, starting on November 30. KL Rahul has been appointed captain as Shubman Gill continues to recuperate from a neck harm. India additionally sees the return of Rishabh Pant to the fifty-over setup, together with Ruturaj Gaikwad. Senior all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who missed the tour of Australia, has additionally been drafted again in. With common No. 4 Shreyas Iyer unavailable as a result of harm, the selectors have included Tilak Varma within the squad. Former India star Irfan Pathan feels Tilak deserves an opportunity within the center order and will make a powerful affect if given the No. 4 position within the upcoming collection. Tilak has been batting within the center order in T20Is and has proven composure throughout high-pressure conditions.

Pathan identified that Tilak’s fame ought to have risen after his standout efficiency within the Asia Cup 2025 remaining towards Pakistan in September, the place he struck an unbeaten 69 at No. 4 to information India to a memorable five-wicket win. Talking on his YouTube channel, Pathan mentioned, “Be careful for Tilak Varma. The way in which he gained the match towards Pakistan within the T20 remaining and the style during which he dealt with strain within the Asia Cup ought to have boosted his worth. He’s somebody who will be very efficient in ODI cricket.” Pathan added that whereas he would like to see Tilak bat at No. 3 in T20Is, the No. 4 slot in ODIs would swimsuit him as properly. He praised Tilak’s capacity to settle in, take in strain, run properly between the wickets, and use pictures just like the slog sweep throughout tight moments.