Out-of-form players, inconsistency, injuries, constant changing of Captains, testing bench-strength, and a T20I World Cup loss; This has by-far been the story of Indian Cricket in recent times. Leaving behind what happened in the past (a group-stage exit in the last T20I World Cup), what matters most currently is the fire to lift the upcoming T20I World Cup. In terms of preparation for the same, a Multi-team Tournament, with potential neck-to-neck competition is what every team dreams of. We have such an opportunity in the form of Asia Cup, which is scheduled to begin on 27th August. So the potential strengths, issues to address going forward and some question marks over the squad to be sent to Australia for the T20I World Cup will be analysed below -
· The Opening Conundrum –
With Skipper Rohit Sharma set to take up one opening spot, questions over who will be his opening partner are yet to be addressed. With Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Deepak Hooda and K.L. Rahul tried in the Opening spot in the past series, it will be interesting to see who partners Rohit at the top. However, among the current lot, Vice-captain K.L. Rahul seems to be the front-runner for grabbing the vacant spot.
· In-form Hooda or Out-of-form Kohli?
Seeing the squad, it is obvious to conclude that either of Virat Kohli or Deepak Hooda will make it to the playing 11. With experience and reputation behind him, Virat Kohli has the upper hand among the two in grabbing the very crucial ‘Number 3 spot.’ However, one cannot ignore the recent all-round exploits of ‘Hurricane Hooda’ against the Windies and in the recently concluded IPL. It will be interesting to see who gets the nod from the management.
· Hardik – The fifth bowler?
With strong IPL and international performances behind him, Hardik – the bowler will surely solve a lot of issues for the Indian team going forward. His economical returns and wicket-taking ability will surely make his case to be the fifth bowler of the team.
· What about ‘The Finisher’?
Assuming both Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja play, if Hardik plays as the fifth bowler, at number 7, then Dinesh Kartik can be accommodated at number 6. But this also means that, both Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja will have to complete their quota of overs with none of the top 6 bowling. If the management feels the need to play an extra bowler in the 11 then Dinesh Kartik’s spot could be under threat, with Rishabh Pant taking the gloves and Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja taking the number 6 and 7 spots.
· Who will be the ‘Spin-twins’? Or will it be a ‘Spin Troika’?
With Yuzvendra Chahal being a sure starter and Ravindra Jadeja operating as an All-rounder, it will be interesting to see whether seasoned-pro Ravichandran Ashwin and the impressive Ravi Bishnoi get a place in the starting line-up.
· Who will accompany Bhuvi-Bumrah in Australia?
The most awaited call of who will the third pacer be in the squad for the upcoming T20I World Cup will be answered through performances in this Asia Cup. With Harshal Patel battling injuries, a spot for the third pacer is up for grabs for rookies Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan. They will get their fair share of opportunities in this Asia Cup and the one who shines will earn a ticket to Australia.
· Notable exclusions –
Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson and Axar Patel are some of the player who got a lot of opportunities in the previous matches and inspite of putting in strong performances have unfortunately faced the axe. However, Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel have been kept as stand-by players along with Deepak Chahar who is returning after a long injury break.
My probable starting 11 for Asia Cup –
1. Rohit Sharma(C)
2. K.L. Rahul
3. Virat Kohli
4. Suryakumar Yadav
5. Rishabh Pant(WK)
6. Dinesh Kartik
7. Hardik Pandya
8. Ravindra Jadeja
9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar
10. Yuzvendra Chahal
11. Arshdeep Singh
· This entire article has been written by me without any references and plagiarism from any sites or pages. I have written the article by my knowledge and passion for cricket.
Will India lift the Asia Cup again this year?
Yes
No
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