Win Projections to be updated soon
The upcoming Asia Cup is on the horizon, and the excitement in the cricketing realm is palpable as India’s squad is set to be picked on August 21 in New Delhi. A significant revelation has surfaced – Captain Rohit Sharma will personally attend the selection meeting in the capital, signalling the gravity of the event. As the cricketing fraternity awaits the official squad announcement, news has emerged that could potentially change the dynamics of the team.
Are KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer fit ahead of the Asia Cup?
Sources close to the developments have revealed that wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul is back in the reckoning. His fitness has been on an upward trajectory, as he has been consistently honing his skills in both batting and wicketkeeping, exhibiting promising signs of his readiness to take the field once again.
Additionally, optimism surrounds Shreyas Iyer’s situation, with insiders labelling the signs as “extremely positive.” The news of Rahul and Iyer’s potential availability comes as a breath of fresh air for the Indian cricket team, which has grappled with middle-order woes in their absence.
The duo’s return could not come at a more opportune time. In their absence, India ventured to explore alternatives, testing the likes of Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson. However, the coveted middle-order positions remained elusive, as neither could cement their roles solidly.
Who will be India’s 15th player?
The core of the Asia Cup squad appears to be taking shape, with at least 14 names virtually assured of securing a spot. The roster includes cricket luminaries such as Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (subject to fitness), and Ishan Kishan. Shreyas Iyer, provided his fitness clearance, is also expected to make a return.
The list continues with Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel. These stalwarts have earned their automatic selection through their stellar performances and consistency.
The spotlight now turns to the pivotal 15th member of the squad. A crucial decision lies ahead, involving the choice between an extra spinner or an additional batter. As discussions ensue among selectors and management, intriguing options emerge. The renowned Yuzvendra Chahal, although not the primary wrist spinner in the recent series, stands as an option, while the dynamic Suryakumar Yadav presents an appealing choice to bolster the batting.
Will Suryakumar Yadav make it to the Asia Cup 2023 squad?
The uncertainty surrounding Iyer’s availability might tip the scales in Yadav’s favour, as Sanju Samson’s recent performances have fallen short of expectations. The spin department, however, remains a focal point. The names of Washington Sundar and R Ashwin surface as potential candidates, given their capacity to add variety to the bowling attack and contribute with the bat.
The intrigue intensifies as the spotlight shifts to the emerging talent, Tilak Varma. The left-hander’s remarkable exploits in the recent T20I series against West Indies have sparked fervent discussions. Former cricketers and experts have rallied behind his inclusion in the ODI squad. While his batting prowess is noteworthy, Varma’s utility as a spin option adds an extra layer of versatility.
Contrasting the current lineup with the 2011 World Cup edition, it’s evident that India’s current top and middle-order lacks the luxury of part-time spin options. In the past, the team had stalwarts like Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, and Yusuf Pathan who could wield the ball effectively. The absence of such multi-dimensional players accentuates the significance of strategic squad selection.
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