India, Aug. 30 -- The Indian think tank, comprising head coach Gautam Gambhir and skipper Shubman Gill, has begun looking beyond their established ODI combination heading into the 2027 World Cup. India's T20I vice-captain Tilak Varma has emerged as one of the names being considered for a middle-order backup role. He is being viewed as a possible alternative to Shreyas Iyer in the top six, according to a Times of India report. His ability to add variety to a predominantly right-handed batting group is one of the factors working in his favour.

Tilak's potential value, however, could extend beyond his batting. The team management has encouraged him to develop his off-spin, with his part-time bowling regarded as an area that could eventually...