The bench strength of India today is second to none as three different teams can play all 3 formats at the same time. There’s still no certainty regarding the Asia Cup this year due to the dates clashing with the World Test championship final.
Still, it is believed that if Asia Cup still goes ahead BCCI might decide to send a second-string side for the tournament. Many of the prominent Indian cricketers will be playing the world Test championship final as a result white-ball specialists might be allowed to play in the Asia Cup. In this feature, we look ahead at India’s probable second-string playing XI if Asia Cup is played this year.
India’s Predicted Playing XI For The Asia Cup
1. KL Rahul ©
The Indian side might be captained by KL Rahul if Asia Cup happens this year. Rahul has the experience of captaining in the IPL and BCCI might announce him the captain for Asia Cup. Rahul is unlikely to be part of India’s squad that will play New Zealand in the world test championship final.
The opening batsman will be hoping that the Asia cup goes ahead as it will allow him to score runs and once again become a regular fixture in India’s T20I squad.
Also Read: Top 5 Best Buys Of IPL 2021 Auction
2. Shikhar Dhawan
The seasoned Shikhar Dhawan is likely to be KL Rahul’s opening partner as both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will be playing the Test championship final. Dhawan is a proven match-winner in white-ball cricket and has often saved his best for the multi-nations tournament like the Asia Cup.
3. Suryakumar Yadav
After his heroics in the T20I series against England you just can’t ignore Suryakumar Yadav in India’s T20I squad. The 30-year-old batted even at 3 when Virat Kohli was playing which proves that the management is considering batting him at the crucial spot even in the T20I world cup. It will again be an opportunity for Suryakumar to show his prowess in the shortest format if the Asia Cup is played this year.
4. Ishan Kishan (wk)
Another player that imprinted in the series against England is the pocket-sized dynamo Ishan Kishan. The talented batsman scored a match-winning 50 in his debut and announced his arrival in international cricket in grand style. If Asia Cup is played then Ishan is likely to play at 4 as he has batted at the same spot in the IPL for Mumbai Indians and also tasted success.
5. Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson was extremely unlucky as he couldn’t find a spot in India’s T20I for the series against England. Samson batted brilliantly in Australia as he accelerated from ball one and played cameos which helped India win the series. There’s no denying that Samson is a class player and will be an asset for India at number 5 if BCCI sends a second-string side for the Asia Cup.
Also Read: Sara Tendulkar Elated After Sachin Tendulkar-Led India Legends Win Road Safety World Series
6. Shivam Dubey
The all-rounder hardly gets an opening to play in India’s squad as Hardik Pandya is back to full match fitness. Nevertheless, Hardik Pandya will be part of India’s Test squad for the final which may be a blessing in disguise for Shivam Dubey. The southpaw is a clean striker during the end overs and also handy with the ball which makes him a more than useful T20 all-rounder.
7. Krunal Pandya
Another man that will surely be part of India’s squad if the Asia Cup is conducted is Krunal Pandya. Much like Jadeja, Krunal is handy with both bat and ball and can emerge as a match-winner for India in T20Is. The senior Pandya brother has loads of experience of playing T20 cricket with the Mumbai Indians in the IPL and his experience will be a bonus for India in the Asia Cup.
8. Shardul Thakur
Shardul Thakur has now become almost a certainty in India’s white-ball squad after his brilliant performances in Australia. The fast bowler has this knack of always picking wickets at crucial stages. Also, Thakur is no mug with the bat as well as he can clear the boundary ropes against any bowler during the death overs.
Also Read: India’s Predicted XI For 1st ODI vs England
9. Yuzvendra Chahal
India’s front line leg-spinner in white-ball cricket Yuzvendra Chahal will be the most experienced India bowler if Asia Cup is played this year. Chahal in recent times hasn’t been at his best but the role of the most senior bowler in the side might free him up and he can win matches on his own during Asia Cup. Chahal is a wicket-taker and the pitch will surely assist him during Asia Cup which will be a huge advantage for India.
10. Deepak Chahar
The right-arm quick will bowl with the new ball in absence of Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The skilful fast bowler is known to pick wickets with the new ball and put the opposition straight away on the backfoot. Also, Deepak Chahar is usually an economical bowler even in the death overs which makes him an automatic pick in the playing XI if Asia Cup is conducted.
11. T. Natarajan
One man has completely changed his life in the last few months in T. Natarajan. Whether it be the new ball or the old ball Natarajan just seems to pick up wickets and put his side in the driving seat. He was fast-tracked to international cricket after his dream IPL 2020 season. Natarajan continues his form even in international cricket and is now always part of the Indian squad.
Also Read: Virat Kohli Confirms Team India’s Opening Pair For 1st ODI Against England