Team India will look to conquer the Asia Cup as they face arch-rivals Pakistan on 2nd September while ending their league stage against Nepal on 4th September at Palleke International Stadium, Kandy. The team looks strong with the comeback of Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul after a long injury layoff. There are top-quality players in the squad who can change the course of the game with their batting and bowling abilities.
After the league stage, they would likely face Pakistan in the Super 4 stage and either two of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan from the other group.
Here we look at the top 5 Indian players to look out for in Asia Cup 2023
- Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill will be playing his Asia Cup tournament in the 2023 edition. He opens the innings and struggled during the ODI format of late. His role is to provide positive starts along with Rohit Sharma in the first 10 overs laying a strong foundation helping Team India post big totals.
He would look to showcase his attacking abilities against the top-quality bowling of Pakistan in the first match on 2nd September at Palleke International Stadium, Kandy. Gill has the ability to convert starts into big scores and would look to do the same in this year’s Asia Cup tournament.
- Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav has been given a place in the squad despite inconsistent performances in ODI format. He got starts during the ODI series against West Indies but was not able to convert it into big scores.
He could be an asset at the number 6 spot with less number of overs and provide the impetus in death overs to help Team India score big totals. His ability to hit big shots, especially against the pacers and spinners makes him a dangerous batter. Playing his first 50 Over Asia Cup tournament, he would be looking to do the damage and help Team India win matches.
3. Ishan Kishan
Ishan Kishan is another talented batter for Team India. He has been included in the squad as 2nd wicketkeeper behind KL Rahul. During the recently concluded ODI series against West Indies, he scored half-centuries in each of the three matches he played and showed his intent by opening the batting.
The focus would be on KL Rahul’s fitness ahead of the opening match against arch-rivals Pakistan. If India wins their encounter against Pakistan, Kishan could get a chance in their next league match against Nepal on 4th September.
He is an exciting talent and would be hoping to showcase his skills with both bat and gloves if given a chance.
- Mohammed Siraj
Mohammed Siraj will be playing his first 50 in the Asia Cup. He has improved a lot in One-day international format since last year. Siraj played a total of 8 ODI matches this year and has taken so far 19 wickets with best figures of 4 for 32 at an economy of 4.61 runs per over.
Siraj was withdrawn from the One-day international series against West Indies and would be eager to start the Asia Cup with a bang against arch-rivals Pakistan on 2nd September 2023. The pace bowler would be bolstered by the return of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami.
Siraj would look to pick early wickets in this year’s Asia Cup and put enough pressure on the opponent batters with good deliveries.
- Kuldeep Yadav
The left arm chinamen Kuldeep Yadav has given preference over Yuzvendra Chahal due to decent form in the recently concluded ODI series against West Indies.
He bowled brilliantly in the previous 50 over Asia Cup 2018 picking up 10 wickets in 6 matches (6 innings) with best figures of 3 for 45 going at an economy of 4.08 runs per over. His ability to bowl variations makes him a tough bowler to face.
The conditions in Sri Lanka are likely to favour spin and he will be a major threat to the opponent batters. His 10 overs could be crucial to decide the fate of the match.
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