India’s Asia Cup Squad: Amidst a lot of speculation, India’s squad for the Asia Cup was finally announced. The chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar, and the captain, Rohit Sharma shared a joint presser to talk about the team in detail. India has picked a 17-member side and Sanju Samson as the travelling reserve. Both the selector and the captain were forthcoming on a lot of questions surrounding the selection. Their candid responses came in as a welcome change for the average Indian fan who was feeling clueless until recently.
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One lucky inclusion and one based on a promise:
India has arguably picked the best batting talent in the country for this tournament. Almost all the names in the squad have proven their mettle in the ODI format in the past 12-18 months. Suryakumar Yadav’s inclusion might be the only one that might appear contentious but India has shown faith in his X-factor ability. Tilak Varma’s showing in the West Indies series has seen him leapfrog any other contender for a spot in the middle order. The selectors have shown bravery in picking a youngster and grooming him right before the World Cup.
KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer return to the squad:
Their comeback was always on the cards. India has picked KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer right away for the Asia Cup. It was understood from the press conference that Rahul might be available post the first 2-3 games but Iyer is sure to start. Their presence in the middle order adds a lot of experience to the batting front. Ishan Kishan is picked as the backup keeper. In Rahul’s absence, Kishan might as well play at the top of the order. Samson’s presence in the squad indicates that India is still not 100% sure of Rahul’s fitness as a keeper.
The ‘quartet’ of all-rounders:
Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja at numbers 6 and 7 are going to be crucial for India’s chances in the World Cup. Both these players will shoulder the responsibility of not just bowling 10 overs between them but also in finishing the innings. Pandya and Jadeja haven’t shown enough muscle in the recent past. India needs this engine room to fire in full cylinders rather quickly. Axar Patel has been chosen over Washington Sundar and Ravichandran Ashwin for his superior hitting ability. Shardul Thakur is expected to slot in at number 8 on pitches where there is a need for a fourth seamer.
The lone spin option:
Sharma and Agarkar delved into detail about why they could pick just Kuldeep Yadav as a specialist wrist spinner. India’s team combination doesn’t allow them the luxury to play two wrist spinners in the XI. It is herein where they preferred having Jadeja and Axar as compared to someone like Yuzvendra Chahal.
The strongest part of the squad:
It is heartening to see that the fast bowling contingent picked for the Asia Cup is India’s strongest suit. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj, Mohammad Shami, and Pradesh Krishna form a potent combination. All these four bowlers offer variety in attack. It will be interesting to see how India utilizes their resources.
