India and Ireland are set to face each other in a three-match T20I series, starting from August 18. The series will serve as a preparation for few players ahead of the Asia Cup 2023, which will be co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka from August 30. While all eyes will be on the return of Jasprit Bumrah, there are few other players who will be under spotlight. And with Asia Cup 2023 yet to be announce, good performances in 3 T20Is could land them a spot. Here are five players from the IND vs IRE T20Is who will play in Asia Cup 2023.
1. Jasprit Bumrah
The fast bowler is making his long-awaited comeback to international cricket after undergoing surgery for lower-back stress fractures last year. Bumrah is one of the best bowlers in the world across formats and his presence will boost India’s chances of winning the Asia Cup. He will lead the pace attack for India in both the series against Ireland and the Asia Cup.
2. Prasidh Krishna
The Karnataka pacer is also making a comeback to the Indian team after being out of action due to spine injury since last August. Krishna, also missed the IPL 2023 after he went a surgery. Krishna, who was one of the contenders to lead the pace attack in the T20 World Cup 2022 last year, will have a chance to get back in India’s World Cup plans with good performance in IND vs IRE T20Is.
3. Tilak Varma
The Hyderabad batsman had a dream start to his international career. Tilak was the leading run-getter for India with 173 runs at an average of 57.67 in the five-match T20I series against West Indies. Many cricket pundits have demanded his inclusion in ODI setup and another good series will certainly push selectors to get him in Asia Cup 2023 squad.
4. Washington Sundar
The 23-year-old all-rounder has been out of Indian team since February 2023 due to injury. Before the injury, Sundar was performing consistently in Indian team and his return now will give more depth to India’a batting. A good outing in IND vs IRE T20Is will surely tempt the selectors to add him to India’s Asia Cup squad. Notably, his inclusion will also give Team India an off spin option.
5. Mukesh Kumar
The Bengal medium-pacer made his all format debut in West Indies tour and impressed the pundits and fans. Mukesh picked up 9 wickets in the 9 matches he played on the Caribbean tour. The pacer has impressed Indian team bowling coach Paras Mhambrey as well who believes the pacer has the ability to serve Indian cricket for a long time.
“Going forward, since we know he is capable of playing all three formats, we need to be smart with his workload management. He has played a lot of domestic cricket and got quality skills out there,” Mhambrey said.
The pacer is likely to be picked for Asia Cup 2023 and a good performance in the continental tournament might cement his spot in World Cup 2023 squad as well.
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