Former Indian wicket-keeper Saba Karim has backed Tilak Varma to bat at number four in the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa. Varma has played four ODIs thus far, and he has scored 68 runs.

The left-hander played a match-winning knock against Pakistan in the Asia Cup final and he has been added to the ODI squad after vice-captain Shreyas Iyer was ruled out with an injury. Varma has delivered consistently in T20Is and he would want to grab his opportunity with both hands in the middle order.

Saba Karim said on ESPN Cricinfo, “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.”

The former selector said Rishabh Pant is going to be part of the team’s playing XI but it would be interesting to note where he bats.

“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.”

On the other hand, former Indian stumper backed Nitish Kumar Reddy’s inclusion in the team’s playing XI for South Africa ODIs.

He added, “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.”

“Hopefully, the Indian management will take these three ODIs keeping your World Cup preparations in mind,” Karim concluded.

The first ODI between India and South Africa will be played at JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi, on Sunday.