Asia Cup 2023
Table of Contents
Every cricket enthusiast from India who possesses knowledge and interest in the sport would be intrigued by the upcoming Asia Cup in 2023. This tournament holds great significance as it presents an opportunity to witness a predominantly robust Indian cricket team in action. As the countdown for the World Cup in 2023 continues, the Asia Cup serves as an ideal platform for the Indian team to showcase their strongest lineup. Notably, players such as Jasprit Bumrah, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Mohammed Shami are expected to feature prominently in the Continental Cup.
Injured players
Bumrah, who had been sidelined from the team for almost a year due to a back injury, is now nearing full recovery. Meanwhile, Rahul and Shreyas Iyer have started batting again at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). The Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) Medical Team has expressed satisfaction with their progress and plans to gradually intensify their training in terms of skills, strength, and conditioning in the upcoming days. This update was provided in reference to their injuries.
Shami will also make his return after being given rest during the comprehensive West Indies tour across all formats. With the reintegration of these four key players, spectators are eagerly anticipating their ferocious performances in the Asia Cup. In this article, we delve into the significance of these four players in the context of the Asia Cup.
Expected Return of Shami, Bumrah, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer for Asia Cup 2023
- Jasprit Bumrah
- India’s top fast bowler is currently in the last phase of his recovery process. Bumrah will participate in several practice matches at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) making the ultimate decision regarding his comeback. In addition to being an excellent wicket-taker, Bumrah excels as a bowler during the final overs of a match. India conceded a significant number of runs during the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup and were unable to secure a single wicket.
- KL Rahul
- After suffering a thigh injury during LSG vs RCB clash on May 1, Rahul has begun light batting sessions at NCA. Like Bumrah, the LSG skipper is a vital member in the 50-over format for India. In the past one year, the 30-year-old has cemented the place as a middle-order batter and as a wicketkeeper. Rahul is scoring runs at a healthy strike rate of 90 and is averaging over 45.
- Rahul has been effectively controlling the tempo of his innings and contributing to India’s successful game closures. The BCCI selectors have emphasized that Rahul will be their preferred wicketkeeper for the upcoming 50-over World Cup. The Asia Cup presents an excellent opportunity for the talented right-handed batsman to demonstrate his physical condition.
- Shreyas Iyer
- Shreyas Iyer, who recently had back surgery, is currently undergoing rehabilitation and is progressing well. Known for his batting prowess, Iyer plays a significant role as a middle-order batsman for the Indian cricket team across all three formats. Apart from his ability to anchor the innings, the Kolkata Knight Riders captain is also known for his aggressive style of play. Notably, Iyer has established himself as a dependable choice for the number four position and was the highest run-scorer for India in ODIs during the year 2022.
- Mohammed Shami
- Shami’s one request was accepted by Rahul Dravid and skipper Rohit Sharma. Now after a two-month break, India would be hoping their gun pacer is fully fit and rejuvenated for Asia Cup and World Cup. Apart from Bumrah, Shami is another vital bowler for India in power play and death overs. In the last two years, the pacer has also added a bit of extra pace and variations.
- Mohammed Siraj
- Mohammed Siraj, who was part of the ODI series against West Indies, flew back to India due to a sore ankle. While nothing major injury has been confirmed from BCCI’s end, Siraj’s absence could be a dampener for India, who aim to win Asia Cup and World Cup. Like Bumrah and Shami, Siraj has developed himself as an all-format bowler.
During the ODI series against Bangladesh, Siraj performed admirably as he captained the inexperienced pace attack in the absence of Bumrah and Shami, emerging as the top wicket-taker.
