The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has revealed the 17-member Team India squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023 on Monday. With a focus on a robust performance in this crucial tournament, the Indian team will see the return of several key players, including Jasprit Bumrah, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul. Additionally, young talent Tilak Verma has secured his spot in the squad, showcasing the team’s commitment to nurturing emerging players.
Scheduled to commence on August 30, the 2023 Asia Cup will be jointly hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka, offering cricket enthusiasts an exciting showcase of talent from the Asian subcontinent. The tournament will extend until September 17 and will serve as a vital preparatory phase for India’s aspirations in the impending World Cup, slated to begin in October. The Asia Cup is poised to aid selectors in making informed decisions for the marquee event.
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Kicking off their Asia Cup campaign in a high-stakes match, India will face off against arch-rivals Pakistan on September 2 in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Adding intrigue to the event, star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been entrusted with the role of Rohit Sharma’s deputy for the duration of the tournament.
A noteworthy highlight of the squad is the return of Jasprit Bumrah to the One Day International (ODI) format, following a hiatus of over a year. Having demonstrated his fitness during the ongoing T20I series against Ireland, Bumrah is now set to challenge his prowess in the 50-over format, a crucial move in his buildup for the World Cup. The return of Mohammed Siraj to India’s pace attack further bolsters the team’s bowling artillery, as his absence due to a nagging ankle injury comes to an end.
Tilak Varma’s inclusion in the Asia Cup squad is a testament to his commendable performance against the West Indies during the recent tour that concluded earlier this month. His promising display of skills has earned him a spot alongside established players, showcasing the team’s emphasis on nurturing and promoting emerging talents.
A significant concern in the run-up to Team India’s selection meeting for the Asia Cup 2023 was the fitness status of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer. In a positive turn of events, both players have managed to secure their places in the squad, reassuring fans of their availability for the tournament.
In a bid to bolster the team’s versatility, the squad includes bowling all-rounders Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel, providing the captain with an array of options. Alongside Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja’s presence further enriches the team’s all-round capabilities.
The tournament is slated to commence with a riveting contest between Pakistan and Nepal in Multan, Pakistan. The participating teams have been divided into two groups, with Pakistan, India, and Nepal comprising Group A, and Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka forming Group B. The event will follow a hybrid format, with Pakistan hosting four matches across two venues and Sri Lanka responsible for the remaining fixtures.
Following the group-stage matches, the Super Fours phase will commence on September 6, where the top teams will vie for supremacy. The pinnacle of the tournament will be the final showdown between the top two teams from the Super Fours, scheduled for September 17 in Colombo.
India Squad for Asia Cup: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya (vice-captain), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna.
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