Bumrah, KL Rahul Comeback; Here is India's Probable Asia Cup 2023 Squad
Virat Kohli and Ishan Kishan in the Caribbean (Twitter)
The much-awaited Asia Cup 2023 is all set to roll from August 31 and will be played in both Pakistan and Sri Lanka as part of a hybrid model agreed by all nations. Six teams will take the field which includes India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Nepal. The tournament which will be played in the 50-over format and is looked as a dress-rehearsal for the all-important World Cup 2023 to be played in India in October-November.
The squads are yet to be announced for the continental tournament but the excitement has been growing with each passing day and a prospect of another high-profile India-Pakistan game seem to be on everyone's mind. So, with Asia Cup and World Cup in mind, India would be looking to put their best foot forward and we shall see a full-strength Indian squad in Asia Cup 2023.
Here is the probable 15-member Indian squad for Asia Cup 2023 -
Batters
Rohit Sharma
The Indian skipper is a big player at the top of the order and has done well in ODI format recently compared to other two formats. He would be looking to get some big runs under his belt in Asia Cup with World Cup just around the corner.
Shubman Gill
Gill has been the talk of the town for last year or so. He has scored runs across formats but has been especially spectacular in the ODI format with a double century under his belt too.
Virat Kohli
India's star batter is slowly and steadily getting to his best and we might just see Virat unleashing all his might in the Asia Cup 2023 against some quality bowling attacks.
Wicketkeepers
KL Rahul
The stylish right-handed batter is India's first-choice wicketkeeper batter in ODI format and has been doing well at number 5. However, a hip flexor injury in IPL 2023 has kept him out of action for a long time and according to the reports, he is expected to make his comeback in Asia Cup 2023.
Ishan Kishan
The pocked-dynamite has been in the scheme of Indian ODI side for a long time now. He has even scored a double century against Bangladesh this year and can be used both as an opener or a middle order batter if needed.
Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson has done well in limited opportunities he has received in Indian colours in recent times. He might get a go at number 4 with Iyer's fitness for the World Cup still in doubt, and Samson would be looking to make the most of the opportunities he receives on West Indies tour before Asia Cup.
All-rounders
Hardik Pandya
Pandya is the designated vice-captain of the ODI side and is a match-winner on his day. His role with both bat and ball is critical for India.
Ravindra Jadeja
Jadeja is a key player for India. In subcontinent conditions, his 10 overs and his batting provides a great balance to this Indian side and he would be itching to make a big impact in the Asia Cup.
Axar Patel
Patel can be used as a back-up for Jadeja if and when needed. His batting has grown by leaps and bounds in recent times and is a capable bowler just like Jadeja in subcontinent conditions.
Bowlers
Jasprit Bumrah
Bumrah has been out of action from September 2022 and has undergone a surgery as well. His recovery is well on course now and just like KL Rahul, Bumrah is expected to make his comeback in Asia Cup 2023. His workload will be managed carefully though.
Mohammed Siraj
Siraj has been in great form in recent times and is expected to play a big role for India in both Asia Cup and World Cup 2023 to be followed. He is a good new-ball bowler and has improved significantly at the death as well.
Mohammed Shami
Shami has been rested for the Windies series but is a key bowler for India with his experience and skills. He is wicket-taking bowler and will form a lethal trio along with Siraj and Bumrah.
Shardul Thakur/Umran Malik/Arshdeep Singh
The fourth seam option is a tricky selection choice for Indian selectors. Thakur and Malik both are in the ODI side for the Windies tour and a lot will depend on how they go about their business on that tour. Arshdeep Singh can also be a handy option with his left-arm angle and brilliant death-bowling skills.
Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep has emerged as India's first choice spinner in the ODI format ahead of Chahal. He has the ability to pick wickets in middle overs and will be a big player for India in the upcoming Asia Cup.
Yuzvendra Chahal
Chahal is also a world-class bowler and has the knack of producing his best in batting friendly conditions. He is clever customer and is still the best leg-spinner in the country.
Note - Suryakumar Yadav can also fit into the 15-member squad in place of either Ishan Kishan or Sanju Samson and a lot will depend on the performances of these players on the Windies tour. Also, Shreyas Iyer will make the squad if he is fit.
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