The Asia Cup starts on August 30, 2023. Pakistan will be the first team to contest. The former runner-up will be up against Nepal. A total of 6 teams are on the list, each group consisting of 3 teams respectively. The group stage will be followed by Super Four, and then the final lap will conclude the tournament on September 17, 2023.
Beating the real tunes is the Indian Cricket Team, who have announced their squad. Rohit Sharma will continue leading the side, with Virat Kohli backing him in the 3rd position. India are scheduled to play their opener against Pakistan on September 02, 2023.
Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul have got a callback. Reportedly, they have recovered from injuries and are fit to run throughout the ODI format. Shubham Gill is missing from the list, while Tilak Varma gets a maiden call. Ishan Kishan will keep the wickets as Sanju Samson stays in the back seat, to make an appearance only if the need arises. Prasidh Krishna recently delivered wonderful spells against Ireland. That has helped him make space in the 50-over format once again. Many top betting sites for cricket are sure that India will make it to the final.
To everyone’s delight, Jasprit Bumrah has made his way on the list. BCCI has been patient with his recovery. With the ODI World Cup ahead, the performance displayed by the right-handed bowler with an unconventional bowling style will be at the center of the selection. The team contesting in Asia Cup could very well be taken forward for the ICC World Cup 2023.
India has dominated the Asia Cup 7 times in 15 editions that have been played so far. Sri Lanka, former winners, has achieved the feat 6 times. Pakistan’s aggression could only take the side to the number 1 spot 2 times. They have finished as runner-up 3 times. So has India, but they have been able to lift the title majority of the time.
Kuldeep Yadav will be the only wrist spinner in the squad. Little to worry considering Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja will be there to make up in case there is any mishap. Ashwin has missed his spot on the list. Suryakumar Yadav will make his contribution. He has been able to shine in the shorter format, but ODI is a different story for the 32-year-old right-handed batter. His strike rate stands at 101.39, with an average of 24.33 throughout 24 innings.
There is not a confirmed selection for number 4; however, Kishan could open with Rohit Sharma if Rahul seeks to take his time after a long gap. Iyer is a potential candidate for the same spot. Hardik Pandya will be the Vice Captain of the squad.
Interestingly, India is the only team to have won Asia Cup consecutively three times in 1988, 1991, and 1995. They were on a spree to replicate history in 2022. Now it is about restarting the streak from this year. Based on how things have worked out in the past, tricks could surprise in the form of Afghanistan delivering a couple of upsets.
Nepal and Bangladesh will have to keep their senses up and running during the group stage.
