The Men in Blue would be eyeing to outclass the opposition in the upcoming Asia Cup 2023 slated to take place on 2nd September 2023 against Pakistan. India placed in the group A alongside Pakistan & Nepal as the top 2 teams would advance to the Super 4 stage. Rohit Sharma would be hoping that the team peaks at the perfect time after a topsy-turvy last couple of years. Rohit Sharma along with Virat Kohli needs to perform in crucial matches.
Squad: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya (VC), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.
Traveling stand-by player: Sanju Samson
Strengths
India’s arsenal is their batting as the batting sensation Shubman Gill is expected to be the next big thing in World Cricket. Shubman Gill though had a forgettable Caribbean tour. It would be interesting to see how the likes of KL Rahul & Shreyas Iyer fare and at the same time, the selection panel have shown faith in Suryakumar Yadav who can play a blistering knock at the back end of the innings.
Weaknesses
India’s bowling attack looks a bit fragile and apart from that, the management should give a couple of games to the bowlers rather than making whole sale changes as the ODI WC 2023 is just door steps away. The management has got a conundrum as whether to back the spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja & Kuldeep Yadav or go in with Axar Patel & Kuldeep Yadav.
X- Factor
India’s former skipper & star batter Virat Kohli would be roaring to stamp his authority in the championship. The batter has received a lot of flak for not performing in crunch matches. Virat & skipper Rohit Sharma will have to carefully negate the threat of left arm pacer Shaheen Afridi in the opening match on 02nd September against the mighty Pakistan.
Chances
India undoubtedly has got a great chance of getting their hands on the silver ware but once again the problem for the Men in Blue is their scratchy middle order. If KL Rahul performs to his potential then the side would be a team to beat. It would be interesting to see how skipper Rohit Sharma manages Shreyas Iyer bat as the side already has the services of the flamboyant batter Suryakumar Yadav in the side.
Also Read: Asia Cup 2023: “It Will Not Be Easy For India”- Wasim Akram Makes A Staggering Statement