With the long-awaited Asia Cup 2023 out, India Cricket Team finally have their fixtures. However, it’s no good news. Rohit Sharma & Co are set to play 6 ODIs in Kandy and Colombo in 15 days if they reach the final. Out of the six, three are potentially high-intensity India vs Pakistan clashes. As India have already had a string of long-term injuries, it is a tough ask, especially for the pacers to play in hot and humid conditions in Sri Lanka. It raises injury concerns ahead of World Cup 2023.
Six ODIs in a span of 15 days will be a tough job. With World Cup 2023 tournament starting in October, the team will have to be very tactful moving ahead. A single injury to any player can risk the entire World Cup not just for the player but also for the Indian team.
Asia Cup Schedule OUT, IND vs PAK on Sep 2
This is exactly where the BCCI Selection Committee and the BCCI Medical staff of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) will have to be extra cautious. Team India may carry extra bowlers to rotate and keep them fresh. The other point to ponder is Hardik Pandya. With 8 T20s in a short span of time, Hardik will travel to Sri Lanka. Hence, selectors are likely to rest Hardik from Ireland series in favour of the Asian Games team to manage his workload.
What is India’s Schedule for the Asia Cup 2023?
As for the group stages are concerned, India will play two games in the Asia Cup Group Stages. The Men in Blue will kick start their campaign against Pakistan on 2nd September and then play against Minnows Nepal on 4th September. Should India win both matches, they then head into the Super 4s.
Irrespective of finishing Group B either as the top team or the second-placed team, India will be dubbed A2 in the Super 4s, while Pakistan will be A1. Here in this stage, India will play 3 matches against, A1, B1, and B2. If India manages to continue their winning spree, they will then go on to play the finals on 17th September. Therefore India can be tasked to play 6 games in a span of 15 days.
World Cup squad submission deadline Sep 5, KL Rahul to get keeping role
Where India Lies in Injury Crisis?
India has been without the services of some of their crucial players who have been sidelined for months with various injuries. Now, in this case, workload management should be very crucial for the players.
Jasprit Bumrah: The star Indian pacer is now nearing his 100% fitness and is likely to be available for selection for the India Tour of Ireland. Bumrah who had surgery on his back went on to miss the T20 World Cup, IPL, WTC Finals and the IND vs WI series. Though he is likely to be fit in a few days’ time, rushing a player to play many games within a small period of time ahead of the ICC World Cup can be a big risk.
KL Rahul: The wicket-keeper batter missed the latter part of IPL 2023 after suffering a hamstring injury. Subsequently, he went on under the knife and returned to nets practice at the NCA. He is likely to be available for the Asia Cup.
Shreyas Iyer: The middle-order batter is recovering from a back-stress injury and he too went under the knife. While Iyer has begun his preparation to return to the team, it is highly likely that he will be ready in time for the Asia Cup.
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