Asia Cup 2023
Asia Cup 2023: Top 5 issues Indian team management need to sort out ahead of the prestigious event
As Asia Cup 2023 is on the horizon, Indian Team Management has yet to finalise the final combination. The team is struggling with a poor batting line-up and is eagerly waiting for injured players to make a comeback. The tournament is set to commence on August 31, with hosts Pakistan taking on Nepal at the Multan Cricket Stadium in Multan.
Ahead of the prestigious continental tournament, Indian team management and the selection committee are set to hold a meeting in the coming days. The meeting will aim to solve certain issues within the lineup and finalise the combination for the tournament. So in today’s article, we will discuss some issues that Indian team management requires to address as soon as possible.
#1. The Number 4 Puzzle
KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer (Source: Twitter)
Solving the Number 4 Puzzle becomes very important before the Asia Cup 2023 due to Shreyas Iyer’s injury. His absence creates a void that India attempts to fill with Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson, and Axar Patel. All of them brutally failed to solidify their spot during the Australia and West Indies series. Unfortunately, Iyer’s unavailability for the Asia Cup compels India to rely on an untested batsman at No. 4.
While Iyer’s potential return for the ODI series against Australia offers hope, a dilemma arises. If Iyer struggles to perform against Australia, he might enter the ODI World Cup lacking form and confidence. Furthermore, if the chosen Number 4 excels in the Asia Cup, the quandary remains: should they be replaced by Iyer upon his recovery? Team management and selectors would need to solve this problem as soon as possible.
#2. Back-up Middle-order batters
Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan (Source: Twitter)
As the Asia Cup 2023 approaches, India needs to make a crucial decision concerning backup batters. With Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul as the designated number 4 and keeper-batsmen, the Indian selectors must now address the challenge of selecting backup batters. Recent poor performances by bench strength, including Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, and Sanju Samson, have emerged as a challenge. Coupled with concerns about Rahul and Iyer’s fitness after injuries, this necessitates a proactive approach.
While Ishan Kishan secures the opening and wicket-keeping backup slots with his amazing performance, India’s middle-order backups, including Suryakumar and Samson, have shown limited promise. Before the Asia Cup, India’s final call on these vital backup roles is important to ensure a well-prepared squad for unforeseen possibilities.
#3. Who will be the backup all-rounder for Hardik Pandya?
Shardul Thakur and Axar Patel (Source: Twitter)
Another crucial decision would be selecting the backup all-rounder. India finds itself in the dilemma of selecting a seaming all-rounder or a spinning all-rounder. Despite Axar Patel’s decent performances, his prospects are dimmed by the presence of Ravindra Jadeja. Axar’s potential inclusion is limited due to Jadeja’s fitness.
Alternatively, Shardul Thakur, a pace-bowling all-rounder, has shined as the top wicket-taker for India in the last 4 years. However, his tendency to leak runs against a strong batting line-up raises concerns. While Shardul offers a seam-bowling option akin to Hardik Pandya, his batting prowess falls short. India must resolve this dilemma before the Asia Cup, deciding between a potentially underutilised Axar or the multifaceted Shardul to bolster their all-around resources and ensure a formidable squad.
#4. Who will be the third spinner?
Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal (Source: Twitter)
Before the upcoming Asia Cup in 2023, India urgently needs to make a final decision regarding their third spinner. Yuzvendra Chahal, who once held a vital role, has faced a decline in favour of team management. His absence from the West Indies tour, coupled with subpar performances in T20Is, has raised concerns. In contrast, Kuldeep Yadav has solidified his spot in both the Asia Cup and potentially the World Cup squad.
Kuldeep’s exceptional ODI performances this year have positioned him as a preferred choice due to his mystery and versatile spin variations. While Chahal played a pivotal role in the 2019 World Cup, his prospects for the 2023 edition look uncertain. Despite the uncertainty, his selection remains a possibility, although he faces challenges from Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Ravichandran Ashwin. If the team opts to go with an offspinner, Chahal might miss his flight once again.
#5. Who will be the top pacers?
Jasprit Bumrah (Source: Twitter)
As India gears up for the Asia Cup 2023, a crucial consideration arises concerning Jasprit Bumrah’s readiness and availability. Returning from an extensive 11-month injury, Bumrah’s match fitness and form should be handled carefully. Using him for all nine league matches in the World Cup might prove risky, given his potential rustiness.
To solve this issue, India will need to prepare hard and rely on pacers like Mohammed Shami, Mohammad Siraj, and Shardul Thakur. The team will also want all-rounder Hardik Pandya to bowl at least 5 overs per match to support the combinations. It will be very important for team management and selectors to solve this issue, as Bumrah is a crucial asset for India.