Asia Cup 2022: Squad Selection on August 8 – After the culmination of the T20 series against West Indies, India will next gear up for Asia Cup, which is scheduled to be played on August 27. The deadline for selecting the squad for the Asia Cup is August 8. BCCI selectors are closely monitoring the performances of all the players, and the selection of the squad will be based on the performance during the T20 West Indies series. While some like Arshdeep Singh and Dinesh Karthick have pressed their case stronger, others have flattered to deceive. Three players have failed to perform well, and they are likely to face the axe. Follow All the Asia Cup Live Updates with InsideSport.IN.
Asia Cup 2022: Who are the three players likely to face the axe?
- Shreyas Iyer
- Avesh Khan
- Axar Patel
Asia Cup 2022: Three players who are likely to face axe during the Asia Cup 2022, Squad selection on August 8: Follow Live Updates
Asia Cup 2022: Why Shreyas Iyer, Avesh Khan, and Axar Patel are likely to face the axe?
Iyer, Avesh, and Axar Patel have not been able to make most of their chances. While Axar has not got a game yet in the T20 series against West Indies, Avesh and Iyer have failed big time. With players like Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and KL Rahul likely to make a return during Asia Cup 2022, these three players could face the axe.
1. Shreyas Iyer
Time is really running out for India’s middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer. In Virat Kohli’s absence, the right-hand batter was tasked to bat at number three during the South Africa and West Indies series. The KKR captain has not got ideal starts and has completely looked at sea while facing the short ball. Iyer’s last six T20 knocks against West Indies read, 10, 0, 25, 0, 10, and 4. The 28-year-old also had a torrid time against South Africa failing to score a single 50 in four innings.
Before the South Africa T20 series, Iyer used to average a healthy 40, but his poor returns in the last few matches have seen his average fall down. He now averages 32.45. The right-hand batter has been peppered with the short ball, and he is falling into that trap. In the second T20I against West Indies, Alzaari Joseph bowled wide and outside off, and the batter gave his wicket away. With Kohli and KL Rahul set to return for Asia Cup, the KKR skipper might not be selected for Asia Cup.
Asia Cup 2022: Three players who are likely to face axe during the Asia Cup 2022, Squad selection on August 8: Follow Live Updates
2. Avesh Khan
Pacer Avesh Khan was directly fighting for a spot with Arshdeep Singh. While the latter has pressed his case with top-notch death bowling, the same cannot be said of Avesh. The LSG pacer was chosen to bowl the last over during the second T20 against West Indies and the right-arm pacer could not defend 10 runs. The youngster could not handle the pressure situation as Arshdeep did in the penultimate over.
Avesh has played 10 T20Is and has picked up nine wickets at an economy rate of 8.49. On the other hand, Arshdeep has played only three T20Is but has picked up five wickets at an economy rate of 5.91. With Bumrah set to return and Arshdeep displaying stellar form, Avesh will find it difficult to make the cut during Asia Cup.
3. Axar Patel
All-rounder Axar Patel sizzled during the ODI series against West Indies but has failed to get a look in the T20Is yet. Ravindra Jadeja has been the preferred choice, and he has bowled well in two games at an economy rate of below six. Even Ravichandran Ashwin is back in the team, and he straightaway impressed by picking two wickets in the first T20. With Yuzvendra Chahal almost locked in as one specialist spinner and Jadeja and Ashwin displaying good form, there is no guarantee Axar will be included during Asia Cup.
Ravi Bishnoi and Kuldeep Yadav are also the other spinners in contention. Jadeja with a superior all-around game, pips others in the rat race.
Asia Cup 2022: Three players who are likely to face axe during the Asia Cup 2022, Squad selection on August 8: Follow Live Updates