Amidst speculations, Sanju Samson’s exclusion from the India Squad for the Asia Cup is looming, as the forthcoming team announcement is anticipated to signal the return of Jasprit Bumrah and KL Rahul.
In the upcoming week, the much-anticipated announcement of the Indian cricket team for the Asia Cup is on the horizon. In the aftermath of a lackluster performance during the West Indies tour, the spotlight is on Sanju Samson’s struggle to maintain his position within the squad. His performance comprised just a solitary fifty across five innings spanning the ODI and T20I series.
The BCCI selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar is slated to unveil the India squad for the 2023 Asia Cup, with growing speculation that Samson might face exclusion. A report from the Times of India suggests that KL Rahul’s imminent return could potentially overshadow Samson’s position.
Anticipated comebacks in the tournament include ODI stalwarts such as Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, and Prasidh Krishna. Bumrah and Krishna are set to rejoin the action in the Ireland T20Is from Friday, while Rahul hones his skills alongside Shreyas Iyer at the NCA.
Earlier this year, Rahul had thigh surgery and Shreyas Iyer underwent back surgery. With Rahul nearing full fitness and Shreyas not yet at 100%, India’s Asia Cup squad unveiling awaits Iyer’s complete recovery.
“Prasidh can generate pace and bounce and will give a new dimension to our pace attack. Before they pick the team for the Asia Cup, it will be nice if the selectors get to watch both Bumrah and Prasidh bowl in the opening T20I against Ireland on August 18,” revealed a source to Times of India.
“Rahul is by and large fit and is ‘keeping wickets too, while Shreyas Iyer is still not 100%. Both have taken part in match simulations at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore and will play a practice match soon. The fitness of the players who are back from the West Indies tour will also be assessed by the team and NCA’s physios. Hence the delay in naming the team,” the source added.
As the Asia Cup’s kick-off approaches on August 30, India’s campaign is set to begin on September 2, pitting them against Pakistan.
Last Updated on August 17, 2023
Senior Sports Copywriter
