Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has picked Tilak Varma for greatness ahead of the five-match T20I series against Australia. Varma has impressed in his young Test career, and he delivered in the all-important Asia Cup final against arch-rivals Pakistan in Dubai.

Varma scored an unbeaten knock of 69 runs off just 53 balls in the run chase of 147 and took India to a memorable win. The left-hander has scored 962 runs in 32 T20I matches at an impressive average of 53.44 and a strike rate of 149.15.

“Tilak Varma has put up outstanding numbers already. It feels like Tilak Varma is heading towards greatness, but there is still time for that, he has to maintain his performances. After his knock in the Asia Cup Final, his place rose in the eyes of all the experts who were watching that game. I think his ideal position is No.3, but if he bats at No.4, and the pitch is quick, it does not make a difference. So, I feel that he will prefer playing on Australian pitches,” Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube channel.

Meanwhile, Pathan picked Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Jasprit Bumrah as the three-match winners in the Indian team. Abhishek has been in fine form as he has scored 314 runs in the Asia Cup, whereas Bumrah needs no introduction as he is India’s best bowler across all formats.

“The three match-winners in this side are Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Jasprit Bumrah. I don’t think anyone comes close to Abhishek Sharma, when it comes to fearless hitting. Even in the Asia Cup, we saw that he gave India strong starts in all matches, except for the final, he was taking on the big bowlers from the first ball itself. This is why a strong player like Yashasvi Jaiswal is still on the bench,” Irfan Pathan added.

The first T20I between India and Australia will be played at Canberra on Wednesday.