Excitement Builds as Team India Announces Squad for Asia Cup 2023
Cricket enthusiasts in India have eagerly awaited the announcement of Team India’s squad for the upcoming Asia Cup. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar revealed the 17-member team during a press conference, introducing several surprising decisions in the selection process. Notably, KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer have made their comeback to the team. Meanwhile, Yuzvendra Chahal’s successful efforts secured his spot in the lineup. The squad also includes a player who has yet to make his debut in any One Day International (ODI) match for India.
Rohit Sharma’s Dynamic Entry into the Team
Young left-handed batsman Tilak Varma has earned a spot in the Asia Cup squad. Varma recently showcased an impressive performance in the T20 series against the West Indies, amassing a total of 173 runs in 5 matches. While he hasn’t played an ODI match for India yet, an opportunity to debut in the ODI format might arise if he gets to play in the Asia Cup.
Possibility of a World Cup Opportunity
During the press conference, Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar acknowledged Varma’s talent, stating, “Tilak is a talented player. If he secures a place in the World Cup squad, he might not be available for the Asian Games. The Asia Cup presents a significant opportunity for him.” There are speculations that captain Rohit Sharma might provide Varma a chance to play in the Asia Cup, thereby strengthening his claim for the World Cup 2023. Looking at Varma’s record in List-A cricket, he has scored an average of 56.18 in 25 matches, accumulating 1236 runs. He has also achieved 5 centuries and 5 half-centuries during this period, establishing himself as a valuable option for both batting and spin bowling.
Indian Team Lineup for the Asia Cup
The squad for the Asia Cup includes Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya (Vice-Captain), Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper), Shreyas Iyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper), Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Prasidh Krishna, Sanju Samso (Reserve).