The Asia Cup 2023 is just around the corner, and the Indian team selectors are in a dilemma over choosing the best possible squad for the tournament. The squad is set to be announced on August 21 and is likely to be India’s World Cup preliminary squad as well. The tournament will be a crucial preparatory event for the ODI World Cup, which will be held in India later this year.
Players who will miss out on Asia Cup 2023 on Monday are likely to sit out for World Cup 2023 as well.
India has a pool of talented players to choose from, but also some injury concerns and form issues to deal with. The selectors will have to balance experience and youth, as well as the conditions and formats of the tournament. Here’s the possible Team India squad which will travel to Sri Lanka for the continental tournament.
Who’s in, who’s out and who’s on the edge?
The core of the Indian team is likely to remain unchanged. Skipper Rohit Sharma will lead the team from the front, and will be joined by his deputy Hardik Pandya. Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, Mohammad Shami, Jasprit Bumrah are some of the names who will be an automatic selection.
While Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul are also automatic picks, the suspense on the fitness has put a question mark in their participation. While KL Rahul has been reportedly fit, the BCCI is yet to recieve a formal clearance from NCA.
Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer is said to be 80% fit which makes his selection a dilemma for selectors.
Another run for Samson?
Sanju Samson had a tough Caribbean tour. The Wicketkeeper-batter scored 12, 7, and 13 in three T20Is games in addition to scoring 9 and 51 in ODIs.
If Team India picks a 15-member squad, it would be tough for Samson to find a spot. However, the wicketkeeper batter can be included as reserves.
Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav is yet to show his ‘T20I 360 degrees’ skills in ODIs but is likely to get a run in Asia Cup 2023.
The pace attack will be spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, who last played an ODI in July last year. He will be supported by Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Shardul Thakur, who have been impressive in both white-ball and red-ball cricket. The spin department will be led by Kuldeep Yadav. He will be accompanied by Axar Patel, who has been consistent with his economical bowling and useful batting. Meanwhile, Yuzvendra Chahal might be included as reserves as he is unlikely to find a place in 15-member squad.
Expected Asia Cup India squad 2023: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson*, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal*, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Shardul Thakur, and Mohammed Siraj.
* Likely reserves
