India recently announced it’s 17-man squad for the Asia cup set to commence on the 30th of Aug, 2023. The tournament is jointly hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Here is a look at India’s squad, and the predicted playing 11 for the first game against Pakistan on the 2nd of September.
Predicted Playing 11
- Rohit Sharma
- Shubhman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- Ishan Kishan
- Hardik Pandya
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohd. Shami
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohd. Siraj
Analyzing the predicted playing 11
Openers: There is no doubt that Shubhman Gill has proven himself as an un-droppable opening partner to Rohit Sharma. His records speak for themselves. How often do you see both the openers having scored a double ton in ODI cricket? People would argue that Ishan Kishan would fit the same club, and provide a Left hand Right hand combination but in ODI cricket, that combination is more useful when spinners are operating in the middle overs. Having said that, not having too many left handers in the side could be a cause of worry for India.
Number three: There should be no surprises to see Virat Kohli bat at 3. There were talks of players having to adjust and be flexible with batting positions, and Ravi Shastri mentioned that Kohli should be ready to bat at 4, but we don’t see that happening yet.
Middle Order: This is where things can get tricky for India for a couple of reasons. Shreyas Iyer is making a comeback after a surgery. He hasn’t played competitive cricket for a while. KL Rahul is not fit for the first 2 games so Ishan Kishan would most likely be keeping wickets for India which also puts in a much needed left hander in the middle order. However, Kishan’s regular spot has been that of an opener, so batting in the middle order will be a bit of a test for him.
All rounders: Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja will be India’s 2 all rounders at 6 and 7. Pandya’s recent form with the bat has not been exceptional, but one good innings could change that.
Bowlers: India’s bowling has been bolstered by the return of Jasprit Bumrah. Mohammed Siraj’s recent form and Mohammed Shami’s experience makes the pace lineup look formidable. The only wrist spinner in the squad Kuldeep Yadav will partner Jadeja as the other spinner. One cause of worry is the long tail. One would argue that India should go with Shardul Thakur to inject some depth into the batting, but would India have the confidence in his bowling to pick him as a third seamer ahead of Shami?
India’s Squad for the Asia Cup
- Rohit Sharma (Captain)
- Hardik Pandya (Vice Captain)
- Ishan Kishan (WK)
- KL Rahul (WK)
- Virat Kohli
- Shubhman Gill
- Shreyas Iyer
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Tilak Varma
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Shardul Thakur
- Axar Patel
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Shami
- Mohammed Siraj
- Prasidh Krishna
- Sanju Samson (Stand by)
Dropping Yuzi Chahal was a mistake. India needs a right handed wrist spinner to break partnerships.
The bowlers should be Thakur, Bumrah, Siraj and Kuldeep.
Kishan should open with Rohit. Gill 3 Kohli 4.