Options Better Than Tilak Varma Who Could Have Been Picked In India’s T20 Squads vs Ireland, England

Rajat Patidar, Tilak Varma and Rinku Singh [Source: AFP]

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently announced India's 16-member T20I squad for the upcoming tours of Ireland and England. Notably, Shreyas Iyer has been named the new captain, while Tilak Varma has been appointed vice-captain. 

Young stars Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Prince Yadav have also earned places in the squad after impressive performances in IPL 2026. Even though Tilak Varma remains one of India's most talented young batters, his recent performances have not been particularly convincing. 

As a result, Tilak Varma's selection as vice-captain has sparked debate among fans and experts. Several players enjoyed stronger IPL campaigns and arguably had a better case for inclusion in the squad. 

Here are three players who could also have been considered for India's T20I squads vs Ireland and England based on their recent performances.

Players Who Could've Been Better Replacements for Tilak Varma

Rajat Patidar 

Among the biggest names missing from the squad is Rajat Patidar. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain enjoyed a memorable IPL 2026 season and played a major role in leading his side to another successful campaign.

Notably, Patidar consistently delivered impactful innings throughout the tournament. He started the season aggressively with scores of 31 off 12 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad, 48 not out off 19 balls against CSK, and 53 off 20 balls at the Wankhede Stadium. Furthermore, he produced one of the finest knocks of the season in Qualifier 1 against Gujarat Titans.

(Rajat Patidar 's stats in IPL 2026)

Apart from scoring 501 runs in 14 innings, Rajat Patidar demonstrated excellent leadership throughout the tournament. He consistently led from the front and thrived under pressure. 

Considering his recent form and confidence, Patidar looked like a player ready for another opportunity in Indian colours. Therefore, he could have been among the players considered as an alternative option.

Krunal Pandya

Another player who could have been in the selection conversation was Krunal Pandya. The experienced all-rounder once again proved his worth during IPL 2026 with both bat and ball.

Although Krunal Pandya did not get many opportunities to bat, he made every chance count. He crossed the 40-run mark in three of his last four innings, including a match-winning 73 against Mumbai Indians. 

In addition, Krunal played useful knocks of 41 not out and 43 in important matches. His bowling was equally impressive. 

(Krunal Pandya's stats in IPL 2026)

Krunal maintained excellent control and dismissed several top batters during the tournament, scalping 14 wickets with an economy rate of 8.42. Moreover, the RCB star consistently stepped up whenever his team needed him.

Rinku Singh

Rinku Singh is another player who could have been considered for selection. The left-hander enjoyed a strong start to his T20I career and established himself as one of India's most dependable finishers.

One factor that may have worked against Rinku is the emergence of Tilak Varma in the finisher's role. During the T20 World Cup 2026, the team management started using Tilak Varma lower down the order. As a result, Rinku found himself further away from the playing XI despite possessing a proven track record in pressure situations.

(Rinku Singh's stats in IPL 2026)

However, Rinku's numbers still make a compelling argument. In 45 T20Is, he has scored 665 runs at a strike rate of 155.73. Moreover, he scored 295 runs in 11 IPL 2026 innings while maintaining a strike rate close to 149. 

Notably, India have often looked for players capable of finishing innings effectively, and Rinku has shown that ability on multiple occasions. Therefore, he may also have been among the players who could have been considered for a place in the squad.

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