India's Playing XI For Asian Games 2023 | Who Will Make The Cut?
Ruturaj Gaikwad will lead India in Asian Games [Twitter]
In a significant development, the BCCI recently announced a strong 20-member squad, including the standbys, for the upcoming Asian Games. The nineteenth edition of the Asian Games will take place in September-October in Hangzhou, China.
In what came as a shocker, the selectors excluded Shikhar Dhawan, who was expected to lead the team in the marquee event. Promising batter Ruturaj Gaikwad has been named the captain for the tournament and will spearhead a comparatively inexperienced side full of youngsters.
So, before the showpiece event begins, here we provide you with the probable playing XI of team India in the competition.
Top Order: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rahul Tripathi
The Indian top-order is pretty straightforward to pick, as skipper Gaikwad will open the batting alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, with Rahul Tripathi slotted at three. While Gaikwad has exhibited incredible consistency for CSK in the IPL, Jaiswal and Tripathi have been prolific performers for Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad, respectively.
Middle Order: Tilak Verma, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Washington Sundar
Rinku Singh could make his international debut in Asian Games [Twitter]
India's middle-order will have two swashbuckling southpaws- Tilak Verma and Rinku Singh, as they had astounding success for Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders, respectively, in the IPL 2023. Verma could make his debut in the upcoming T20I series against West Indies, while Rinku will likely don the national jersey for the first time in the Asian Games.
Besides keeping, flamboyant Vidarbha batter Jitesh Sharma will be trusted for the finisher's role.
Meanwhile, despite having Shivam Dube and Shahbaz Ahmed in the squad, India could prefer Washington Sundar for the all-rounder's role, as he will provide them with the much-needed balance between bat and ball.
Bowlers: Shivam Mavi, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi
Delhi Capitals' Mukesh Kumar could miss out on the Asian Games playing XI, as India have more suitable options in Shivam Mavi, Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan. While Mavi and Arshdeep will likely open the bowling, Avesh could play as the third seamer, considering his ability to hit the deck at a decent pace.
Meanwhile, Ravi Bishnoi, who has impressed everyone with his guile and variations, will play as the lead spinner.
India's probable playing XI for Asian Games 2023
Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rahul Tripathi, Tilak Verma, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Washington Sundar, Shivam Mavi, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi
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