The countdown for the Asia Cup 2023 started as soon as India announced the 17-man squad on Monday. With Team India set for a preparation camp in the National Cricket Academy from August 24 to August 29, the focus now shifts to the high-voltage India vs Pakistan match on September 2. However, a big blow for India is KL Rahul, who is unlikely to make it in time for the IND vs PAK clash. With that, let’s take a look at the potential India Playing XI vs Pakistan.
The 16th edition of the tournament will begin on August 30 with a game between Pakistan and Nepal. Although KL Rahul was included in the Asia Cup squad, it was announced that the batter has a niggle which rules him out of the tie against Pakistan.
India Playing XI vs Pakistan, Asia Cup 2023
Rohit Sharma (C): Rohit Sharma is the Indian captain and will open the innings. Rohit has had a good outing in Asia Cup so far, scoring 745 runs in 21 innings at an average of 46.56. The Indian team will be banking on its captain to provide them with a steady start.
Shubman Gill: Shubman Gill will open the Indian innings along with the Indian captain. Ajit Agarkar confirmed that Rohit and Shubman would open the innings. The youngster has shown plenty of promise in the recent past, having played a few important innings to cement his place at the top spot.
Ishan Kishan (WK): Ishan Kishan will keep wickets in the absence of KL Rahul and would presumably bat at No 3. He hasn’t shown great promise batting down the order.
Furthermore, he would come in handy as a left-hander to counter the threat of Shaheen Afridi if India lose a wicket in the powerplay. But he would have to produce something extraordinary to retain his place in the team. When KL Rahul comes back, he will be the first-choice keeper.
Virat Kohli: One of the best batters in the world in the number 3 position. India would be depending on his form to do well in the competition, especially after his heroics in the same tournament last year where he was the highest run-scorer.
Shreyas Iyer: Shreyas Iyer returned to Team India after a long injury lay-off. He would be a formidable option for the no. 5 position provided he gets some runs under his belt.
Hardik Pandya (VC): The vice-captain of the team has proved a handy option for India, providing depth in batting as well as bowling line-up. Hardik would be the first all-rounder to get picked in the starting XI by Rohit Sharma because of his ability to finish matches with explosive gameplay and take wickets at important junctures.
Ravindra Jadeja: The second all-rounder of the lineup. He will get the nod ahead of Axar Patel purely due to his vast experience and all-round ability. His economical spells and ability to finish matches is something India would be looking forward to.
Kuldeep Yadav: The leg-spinner was selected ahead of Yuzvendra Chahal as the only wrist-spinner in the squad, owing to his form. He has been the highest wicket-taker in the ODIs this year. It is likely he will play almost all the matches in the Asia Cup.
Mohammed Shami: The veteran pacer has been in the Indian set-up for long. He will start with the new ball along with Bumrah. His ability to swing the ball will trouble batters of Pakistan. Captain Rohit Sharma will hope Shami and his new ball partner can provide early breakthroughs during the tournament.
Jasprit Bumrah: Bumrah has returned to the national team after almost a year. He is currently leading the Indian side on their tour to Ireland and has been bowling at a regular pace. Bumrah’s change of pace is going to be an asset for the team in subcontinental pitches.
Mohammed Siraj: Mohammed Siraj will most likely be the third seamer. He hasn’t played for the national team since the two tests against the West Indies. Siraj complained of a sore ankle and the BCCI rested him as a precautionary measure. He has been the second-highest wicket-taker in ODIs this year and Indian team would be looking to capitalise on his red-hot form.
Dark Horse
Tilak Verma: If Tilak Verma is indeed in the minds of the Indian selectors for the World Cup, they would want to test him in the most intense match of the tournament. However, it remains a distant possibility owing to Verma’s inexperience in international cricket. If he is picked, he would most likely take the place of Shreyas Iyer.
Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya (VC), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.
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