The Asia Cup is approaching fast with the first match to be played on August 30. The likes of India, Pakistan and defending champions Sri Lanka are the top contenders to lift the cup once again. However, teams like Bangladesh and Afghanistan cannot be taken lightly either. Nepal will also look to give a tough competition to Cricketing giants. Meanwhile, in this article we will take a look at the captains and their records in the marquee event so far.
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1. Rohit Sharma (India)
No matter what conditions, India will definitely start as favorites in Asia Cup. Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, the Men in Blue won the last 50-over Asia Cup as they defeated Bangladesh in the final encounter. To note, Rohit has amassed a total of 745 runs in just 21 innings averaging above 46 in the 50-over format. He has stroked 6 fifties and one century in the marquee event.
2. Babar Azam (Pakistan)
Heading into the tournament, Babar Azam will aim for his maiden Asia Cup title as skipper. To note, Pakistan lost the final’s of last Asia Cup as Sri Lanka were crowned as champs. However, Babar and Co will want to rectify their mistakes from the previous competition and put up a solid performance in front of their home crowd. Speaking about his numbers, Babar has played just 5 games and scored 156 runs at an average of 31.20.
3. Rohit Paudel (Nepal)
In November 2022, Rohit Paudel was appointed Nepal’s captain. Nepal beat the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the ACC Men’s Premier Cup final in May and qualified for the Asia Cup 2023. In the Asia Cup 2023, Nepal are placed in Group A, along with the heavyweights India and Pakistan. Rohit Paudel will be leading Nepal for the first time in the Asia Cup as they look to punch above their weight.
4. Shakib al Hasan (Bangladesh)
The Bangladesh Cricket Board recently appointed Shakib al Hasan as their skipper for the Asia Cup. To note, Shakib’s last assignment as ODI captain of Bangladesh was against Ireland at Malahide on May 12, 2017, and the match ended without a result. Overall, Shakib has led in 52 ODIs as the Bangla Tigers gear up for the Asia Cup to lift their maiden title.
5. Dasun Shanaka (Sri Lanka)
Sri Lanka surprised the cricketing fraternity as they went on to win the last edition of the Asia Cup under the captaincy of Dasun Shanaka. However, that was 20-over format and Sri Lanka will now have to prove their might in the 50-over format in order to defend their title. To note, this will be Shanaka’s first time leading his national side in Asia Cup.
6. Hashmatullah Shahidi
Just like Shanaka, it will be Shahidi’s first time too leading Afghanistan in the 50-over Asia Cup. Overall, Shahidi has played 59 ODI matches with 1637 runs at an average of above 30. However, his strike rate is low at 65.98. He has stroked 14 fifties but has not stroked a single century in the format. The left-handed batter will want to make a point with the bat and lead his side from the front.
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