Shikhar Dhawan To Lead India? Here's Men in Blue's Probable Squad For Asian Games 2023
Shikhar Dhawan will likely lead India in Asian Games [Source: Twitter]
India's cricket board, the BCCI, has revealed that the national men's and women's cricket teams will be competing in the forthcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou. This decision is noteworthy because India did not participate in cricket during the previous editions of the Games in 2010 and 2014.
In light of the upcoming 50-over home World Cup later this year, the Indian men's team chosen for the Asian Games will mainly comprise up-and-coming players.
India's squad is a balanced combination of seasoned campaigners and promising talents across various categories. With a strong batting lineup, a blend of allrounders, and a potent bowling attack, the squad will likely possess the depth and versatility required to compete against the best teams in the tournament. As the dates of the tournament approach, the final squad will be announced, and fans will eagerly await the performance of Team India in the Asian Games.
Till then, let's take a closer look at the potential squad that could represent India in the showpiece event.
Batters
Shikhar Dhawan (Captain)
As an experienced campaigner, Shikhar Dhawan is likely to lead the Indian contingent as well as the batting lineup. Known for his flamboyant stroke play and ability to build partnerships, Dhawan's presence at the top of the order provides stability and impetus to the team's innings. He recently captained the Punjab Kings during the Indian Premier League.
Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad has made a name for himself with his impressive performances for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. A stylish right-handed batsman, Gaikwad possesses excellent timing and shot selection, making him a key contender for the Asian Games squad.
Rinku Singh
Rinku's omission from the WI tour sparked controversy [Source: Twitter]
Rinku Singh, a talented left-handed batsman, has shown great promise in domestic cricket and the most recent edition of IPL.His smashing performances throughout the IPL season made him a top finisher for his team. With a sound technique and the ability to accelerate the scoring rate, Singh can contribute significantly in the middle order, adding depth to the batting lineup.
Rahul Tripathi
Rahul Tripathi has impressed with his consistent performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL). A versatile batsman capable of adapting to different situations, Tripathi's aggressive stroke play and ability to anchor the innings make him a valuable asset in the game. He recently made his debut for the Indian cricket team in January 2023 against Sri Lanka.
Jitesh Sharma
Jitesh Sharma, a wicket-keeper batsman, provides an additional batting option in the lower middle order. While primarily known for his glove work, Sharma's ability to contribute with the bat adds depth to the team's batting resources. He could prove to be a valuable asset to Team India.
Allrounders
Krunal Pandya
Krunal Pandya, an experienced all-rounder, brings versatility to the squad. Known for his power-hitting and left-arm spin, Pandya's ability to contribute with bat and ball makes him a crucial asset for the team in the upcoming tournament.
Venkatesh Iyer
Venkatesh Iyer, a left-handed allrounder, has impressed with his performances in domestic cricket. Capable of contributing with both bat and ball, Iyer's aggressive batting style and handy medium-pace bowling make him a strong contender for the squad. His performance in the IPL was a conviction of how great of a player he is.
Shivam Dube
Shivam Dube was impressive in IPL 2023 [Source: Twitter]
Shivam Dube, a hard-hitting allrounder, can contribute as a seam-bowling option. Known for his big-hitting capabilities, Dube can provide quick runs lower down the order. His medium-pace bowling adds variety to the team's bowling attack.
Bowlers
Mukesh Kumar
A right-arm seamer with the ability to move the ball in both directions, Mukesh Kumar has made a mark in cricket with his consistent performances. His ability to seam the ball at a decent pace and contribute with handy runs lower down the order makes him a valuable asset in limited-overs cricket.
Shivam Mavi
Shivam Mavi, a young fast-bowler, has displayed his talent in the IPL. With a good pace and the ability to generate bounce, Mavi can trouble batsmen with his bowling. Additionally, his powerful hitting prowess can provide quick runs in the lower order.
Ravi Bishnoi
Bishnoi was recently recalled to the T20I side [Source: Twitter]
Ravi Bishnoi, a talented leg-spinner, has showcased his skills at the highest level. With the ability to turn the ball sharply, Bishnoi provides balance to the team and can make crucial breakthroughs with his spin bowling.
Rahul Chahar
Rahul Chahar, a young leg-spinner, has shown great potential in the IPL. With his variations and ability to extract turns, Chahar can be a wicket-taking option in the middle overs, restricting the opposition's run-scoring opportunities. He currently plays for Punjab Kings in the IPL.
Akash Madhwal
Akash Madhwal, a talented young Indian cricketer, has gained recognition for his unique bowling style characterised by a rapid-arm action that enables him to generate skidding deliveries. He plays for the Mumbai Indians in IPL and could be seen playing in the squad.
Tushar Deshpande
Tushar Deshpande, a promising fast bowler, has impressed in domestic cricket with his ability to generate pace and bounce. With his knack for picking wickets at crucial junctures, Deshpande can provide the necessary firepower in the bowling department. He currently plays for Chennai Super Kings in IPL.
India's decision to send teams to the Asian Games reflects their desire to enhance their cricketing capabilities on the global platform. This move offers a valuable opportunity for India's emerging talents to exhibit their skills and gain crucial exposure in a highly competitive multi-sport setting.
The addition of cricket to the Asian Games has generated considerable enthusiasm and interest among fans, as it provides a prestigious stage for players to represent their nation. By participating in this event, the BCCI showcases its dedication to promoting and nurturing the sport at various levels of the game.
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