The Indian selection committee had decided to have a discussion in New Delhi on August 21, for finalizing the Indian squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023. Head Coach Rahul Dravid and Skipper Rohit Sharma will be joining the discussion with the selectors.
Rohit Sharma set to join India Squad selection meeting for Asia Cup
The Asia Cup 2023 is scheduled to begin on August 30, 2023. When Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh have already announced their squads, there is a delay in India’s squad announcement due to various concerns.
It was not usual for inviting the head coach for meetings. But due to crucial periods and upcoming assignments, chief selector Ajit Agarkar thinks that the presence of the head coach could help on issues to be solved.
The selection of the squad will be based on the squad for the World Cup tournament with minor changes in it.
The selectors and the team management are looking for providing the required time and practice for the World Cup through six games in the Asia Cup and three-match series against Australia before the event.
Jasprit Bumrah’s return to the Indian side has solved one of the problems in the selection issue. The selectors are observing the return of another pacer Prasidh who has been rested due to injury.
Despite more bowling options existing in spin and pacers for the selectors with Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami, the selectors are expecting experienced pacers like Prasidh. Shardul Thakur will secure a position as a bowling all-rounder with Hardik Pandya.
The calls for Ashwin’s inclusion in the World Cup team have been discussed and recommended by MSK Prasad. Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav will be on picks and one will be chosen from Axar Patel, Ashwin, and Yuzvendra Chahal.
India’s batting has improved a lot with lots of young players and will not need to depend on Virat and Rohit at crucial times. Shubman Gill has given a strong cause and Tilak Varma also proved himself but not on all occasions.
But Sandeep Patil hints at selecting Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma. He said, “100 per cent (if India should hand a debut to Tilak Varma) I will go with Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav. Who will be in the playing XI, can be decided after looking at the balance and the opposition. But Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav will both be on my team.”
Reports from NCA had shown that KL Rahul had shown his fitness and prepared for his return to the Indian team. However, BCCI is awaiting an official clearance from NCA for the player.
There is match scheduled at NCA where KL Rahul will be playing before the selector’s meeting, but the timing is not revealed yet. The players selected will have to assemble in Bengaluru for a camp on August 24 before starting their Asia Cup campaign.
