India’s 17-player team for the forthcoming Asia Cup 2023 was released on Monday. The captain, Rohit Sharma, and the chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar, appeared before the media during a news conference to officially announce the team and answer inquiries.
In this piece, we present to you the top 5 key highlights from the Indian team selection for the forthcoming Asia Cup 2023:
Iyer, Rahul, Bumrah, and Prasidh Krishna’s Return
Before the squad announcement, there were significant concerns about the fitness of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer. Both players were in the process of recovering from injuries – KL Rahul from a thigh injury and Shreyas Iyer from a back injury. Despite these worries, both cricketers have successfully secured their spots in the Indian squad for the Asia Cup 2023.
Agarkar confirmed that Iyer is fit to go, while Rahul has a small niggle that is not related to his previous injury. Notably, Sanju Samson will also travel with the team as a backup keeper in case Rahul is not fully fit.
In addition to these two players, Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna, who made a comeback during the Ireland series after a considerable time out due to injuries, have also secured their spots in the squad. They will be part of the team’s plans, alongside cricketers such as Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj.
Suryakumar Yadav Got Selected Despite His Poor Performances In ODIs
Suryakumar Yadav, who currently ranks first amongst all T20 batsmen, has distinguished himself via his outstanding performances in the game’s shortest format. On the other hand, Yadav has had trouble replicating that same level of success in the 50-over format. He admits openly that he is not satisfied with his statistics in the 50-over format. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) nevertheless retains unflinching faith in this outstanding player. Yadav’s cricketing potential continues to be highly regarded, as seen by his selection to the team for the forthcoming Asia Cup 2023.
Sensational Left-hand Batter Tilak Varma Received His Maiden ODI Call-up
Tilak Varma captivated everyone with his outstanding performance in his first series against the West Indies. The youthful talent showed strong technical proficiency as well as the tenacity and audacity required for the international stage. The exceptional batter received his first-ever selection for the One Day International (ODI) format as a result of his outstanding performance on the field.
“In West Indies, we saw some real promise in terms of not just performances but the temperament,” Agarkar said on Tilak Varma’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.” Agarkar further added.
Yuzi Chahal Exclusion From Indian Squad For The Asia Cup 2023
India’s talented leg-spin bowler Yuzvendra Chahal was once again left out of India’s squad for a crucial tournament like Asia Cup. Kuldeep Yadav has been chosen over him to make the side more balanced.
“Chahal was discussed, but sometimes it is the balance of the side we had to look at. Kuldeep Yadav has been really good, Axar has done well, but to fit two wrist spinners was difficult, so Chahal had to miss out,” Agarkar gave the reason for Chahal’s exclusion from Squad.
