The big day is finally here! On Monday, Indian captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar finally announced the Indian squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023. India’s selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, named a 17-member (+1 reserve) traveling party which will take part in the upcoming Asia Cup 2023, that is all set to take place in Sri Lanka and Pakistan from August 30.
Here, in this article, we bring you the 5 biggest talking points from the Indian squad announced for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023.
5 Biggest Talking Points From India’s Squad For Asia Cup 2023
– Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, And Prasidh Krishna’s Return
Ahead of the squad announcement, there were major doubts regarding the fitness of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer as both the cricketers were recovering from injuries, a thigh and a back injury respectively. However, both the cricketers have made it to the Indian squad for the Asia Cup 2023.
“Shreyas (Iyer) is declared completely fit. KL Rahul still has some niggle, hence (Sanju) Samson is travelling as a reserve.” Ajit Agarkar said.
Besides these two, Prasidh Krishna, who returned for the Ireland series after a lengthy injury layoff, has also been included in the squad and he will be in the scheme of things. However, with players like Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj, it is very unlikely that he will get a chance in the playing XI.
– Suryakumar Yadav Included In Team Despite Poor Performances:
The number one T20 batter in the world – Suryakumar Yadav has made a name for himself in the shortest format of the game, riding on his stellar performances, however, the talented batter has failed to replicate his form in the 50-over format of the game. He himself admits that his numbers in the 50-over format are not satisfactory, however, the BCCI has shown complete faith in the star batter and has included him in the squad for Asia Cup 2023.
– Tilak Varma Received His Maiden Call:
Tilak Varma has impressed one and all in his debut series against West Indies. The youngster looked technically sound and showed the intent and aggression required for the international stage. Riding on his amazing performances, the star batter has received his maiden call-up for the ODI format.
“In West Indies, we saw some real promise in terms of not just performances but the temperament,” Agarkar said of Tilak’s selection. “And it gives us an opportunity to take him with the team, give him some more exposure; a left-hander again, looks very promising. So fortunately we can take 17 here, it’ll be 15 at the World Cup. So when the time comes we’ll take that decision, but at the moment it at least gives the coach and captain an opportunity to have him with the squad.”
– No Place For Yuzvendra Chahal:
India’s talented bowler Yuzvendra Chahal was once again left out of India’s squad for a crucial tournament. Kuldeep Yadav has been chosen over him to make the side more balanced. Explaining the reason behind his exclusion, Ajit Agarkar said:
“Chahal was discussed, but sometimes.it.is the balance of the side we had to look. Kuldeep has been really.good, axar has done well, but to fit two wrist spinners was difficult, so Chahal had to miss out,”
– Sanju Samson As Reserved Player:
Sanju Samson, who has failed to make the most of the opportunities he has been given, has been named as the reserve player for the Asia Cup 2023. Explaining the reason behind this, Ajit Agarkar said:
“Shreyas (Iyer) is declared completely fit. KL Rahul still has some niggle, hence (Sanju) Samson is travelling as a reserve.”
Indian Squad For Asia Cup 2023:
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna.
Reserve Player – Sanju Samson
