Mumbai Indians Players Who Can Enter Indian Team If Tilak Varma Becomes Vice-Captain

3 Mumbai Indians Players who can benefit from Tilak Varma [Source: AFP]

Tilak Varma, Mumbai Indians’ trusted middle-order batter, is likely to be appointed as India’s vice-captain in the T20I format. The news has led to speculations that certain MI players may benefit from Varma’s promotion.

According to reports, Suryakumar Yadav is set to be sacked as India’s T20I captain, and the leadership group will undergo a transition. While Shreyas Iyer and Sanju Samson are front-runners to replace SKY, Tilak is apparently being considered for the vice-captain role.

Tilak Varma has witnessed a meteoric rise since his debut and was also a part of India’s T20 World Cup 2026 winning squad. Hence, given his young age and long-term potential, the selectors reportedly want to groom him as a leader for the future.

That being said, in case Varma does get appointed as India’s vice-captain, he will have some say in the team decisions, including the selection process. This could mean that certain players from Tilak’s IPL team, Mumbai Indians, could be fast-tracked into the Indian side.

On that note, here are 3 Mumbai Indians players who could join Team India after Tilak Varma becomes vice-captain.

3 MI players who can enter Indian Team if Tilak Varma becomes vice-captain

1. Naman Dhir

(Naman Dhir's IPL stats)

Right-handed batter Naman Dhir is most likely to be fast-tracked into India’s T20I side if Tilak Varma is chosen as vice-captain. Varma and Dhir share a great bond, having played several seasons for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL.

Also Read - Tilak Varma's Captaincy Record For Indian Team

Dhir is an aggressive finisher who can bat at No. 5, 6, or 7. He maintains a high strike rate without needing many deliveries to settle. Together, Naman and Tilak have saved several matches for Mumbai Indians.

Hence, to fix India’s finishing problems, Tilak Varma will likely endorse his MI teammate Naman Dhir for a T20I debut.

2. Raj Bawa

(Raj Bawa's IPL stats)

23-year-old all-rounder Raj Bawa could also be in Tilak Varma’s favourite list. In 2 seasons with MI, he has played only 8 games, but his potential is far more valuable and significant. 

India's T20 setup is always looking for genuine pace-bowling all-rounders, and Bawa fits a profile that remains relatively rare in Indian cricket. 

He can contribute meaningful overs with the ball and provides lower-order hitting power. Raj can do what Hardik Pandya does as an all-rounder but for a longer time, as he is just 23. 

Hence, if India move towards a younger leadership group built around players like Tilak Varma, selectors could be more willing to back young all-rounders with high ceilings rather than relying on established names. And Raj Bawa fits the mould of a player who could grow alongside that generation.

3. Ashwani Kumar

(Ashwani Kumar's IPL stats)

Young pacer Ashwani Kumar is another Mumbai Indians player whom Tilak Varma deeply values. Left-arm fast bowlers remain a valuable commodity in world cricket, and Ashwani offers a skill set that India is constantly trying to expand.

He can operate with the new ball and attack wickets rather than simply containing runs. In 10 games played for MI so far, Ashwani has picked up 17 wickets. Has shown the temperament to perform on the IPL stage despite limited experience.

A younger leadership group would likely encourage selectors to invest in emerging players with high ceilings. Ashwani Kumar fits that profile perfectly. 

Rather than waiting years for a finished product, India may choose to expose him to international cricket early and develop him around the next generation of T20 players.

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