The Indian Cricket Team have arrived at stadium for the final practice session ahead of IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2023 clash on Sept 2. Captain Rohit Sharma is not looking far ahead and is instead focusing on short term goals in Asia Cup 2023 in preparations for World Cup 2023. The first on the list in IND vs PAK game on Saturday. KL Rahul remains unavailable for the India vs Pakistan Clash, throwing a new crisis for Rohit and Rahul Dravid to deal with.
“Pakistan have played really well in recent times in T20is and ODIs. They worked really hard to be No.1, it’ll be a good challenge for us tomorrow,” Rohit Sharma said at the pre-match press conference.
The Asia Cup is a pivotal pit stop in India’s road to the World Cup 2023. The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee will announce the World Cup squad on September 5, after India’s games vs Pakistan and Nepal. Rohit will hope to have more clarity on a number of jarring issues as he heads into his first and last World Cup as captain.
India’s areas of concern
- Who bats at No.4?
- Shreyas Iyer returns, is he 100%?
- No Kl Rahul, where does Ishan Kishan bat?
- Shardul vs Shami vs Prasidh – Who partners Jasprit Bumrah?
- Does Axar Patel get a game?
No.4 Conundrum
The Indian Cricket Team head into another World Cup campaign without a set No.4. As Rohit Sharma admitted last month, the Men in Blue have struggled to fill the position after Yuvraj Singh. Shreyas Iyer is the incumbent, but there could be a change. Virat Kohli could move down the order while, Ishan Kishan is also debated as a left-handed option in the middle order.
Shreyas Iyer back, is is he 100%?
Shreyas Iyer was one of India’s mainstays before injury. He now returns just in time for the World Cup after a long recovery. The KKR skipper hasn’t played a competitive fixture since March and the Asia Cup 2023 will be a big Test for the 28-year-old. While batting 50 overs is a test in itself, Shreyas will have to pull his socks on the field in the hot and humid conditions in Sri Lanka.
KL Rahul ruled out, where does Ishan Kishan bat?
KL Rahul is ruled out of India’s first two games at the Asia Cup 2023. While Sanju Samson has travelled to Sri Lanka, Ishan Kishan remains the favourite for the keeper slot. Where Kishan Bats though is a mystery. The 24-year-old has a good record as opener, but the numbers take a deep dive in the middle order. Will Rohit, Gill or Virat drop down the order for the IND vs PAK game?
India’s search for bowling combination
Jasprit Bumrah has returned to full fitness and will spearhead the pace attack. Mohammed Siraj has been impressive in the 50-over format over the last year and is expected to partner him. With Kuldeep Yadav also certain, it leaves room for only 1 more option in the line up. Mohammed Shami has an impressive record in ODIs, while Prasidh Krishna can also be a real threat on home wickets. Shardul Thakur is another option, which also adds batting depth. With all three in the mix, Rohit has a big decision to make on his shoulders before the IND vs PAK game. Shami offers experience, Prasidh offers variety while Thakur has a happy knack of partnership breaking wickets. He also adds batting depth.
Does Axar Patel feature?
The pitches in Sri Lanka and during the World Cup 2023 will aid spin. Axar Patel thus remains an interesting option. While he offers a similar skillsket to that of Ravindra Jadeja, the selectors backed him over Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravichandran Ashwin. Slotting Axar at No.8 could also ease batting depth concers. The left-hander has shown he’s capable of playing a few handy knocks down the order when the situation demands.
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