The Indian cricket team’s Asia Cup squad selection is expected on August 19 or 20. The Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI selection committee waits for medical reports from the Centre of Excellence’s Sports Science team. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who has resumed net practice in Bengaluru, will lead the squad in this major white-ball tournament.
According to a PTI report, the selection panel prefers stability and will likely retain Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, and Hardik Pandya in the top five batting order. “Abhishek Sharma is world’s No. 1 T20 batter in last ICC rankings. Sanju Samson has been fantastic last season with both bat and gloves. So it will certainly be a tough call but Shubman Gill in current form (although in Tests) can’t be ignored,” a BCCI source said.
Challenges in the Top-Order Selection
The committee faces a tough challenge to accommodate prolific batters like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan due to a packed top order. KL Rahul, now India’s preferred ODI wicketkeeper-batsman, may miss out as he doesn’t bat in the middle order.
Sanju Samson is almost certain to be the first-choice wicketkeeper, while the second wicketkeeper’s slot remains a contest between Jitesh Sharma and Dhruv Jurel. Jitesh impressed as a finisher during RCB’s IPL title-winning season, while Jurel was part of India’s recent T20 series.
In the bowling department, Hardik Pandya remains the lead seam-bowling all-rounder. Nitish Kumar Reddy, injured during the England tour, is unlikely to recover in time. Shivam Dube’s recent comeback strengthens his chances of selection. Spinners Axar Patel and Washington Sundar are expected to complete the spin-bowling all-rounder options.
Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh have secured their pace bowling spots. The final fast bowler slot will be a fierce contest between Prasidh Krishna, with 25 wickets in the last IPL, and Harshit Rana, known for his heavy deliveries.
Likely India Asia Cup Squad Contenders:
Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana / Prasidh Krishna, Hardik Pandya, Jitesh Sharma / Dhruv Jurel.
The Asia Cup will be a crucial tournament for India after their memorable England tour. The team’s balance between experienced players and emerging talent will be key to their success.
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