India’s Probable Playing XI for the Asia Cup 2023:

India is one of the most sorted out and consistent teams in the world. Apart from a couple of changes, India has entered major competitions with the same lineup for the past 4-5 years. India, led by Rohit Sharma, will compete in the Asia Cup 2023 in Sri Lanka which will take place from 31st August to 17th September. This year’s Asia Cup will be played in the 50-over format and India will be hoping to make a good recovery following their Super Four exit from the previous year’s Asia Cup. Let’s take a look at India’s likely starting lineup.

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1: Rohit Sharma (Captain)

Rohit Sharma, India’s stylish and lethal opener and captain, definitely will open the innings. Rohit Sharma has established himself as one of the top white-ball players since emerging as an opener in 2013. Rohit Sharma has scored 7847 runs at an average of 57.27 and a strike rate of 93.68 since taking over as opener, with 28 hundreds and 36 half-centuries.

2: Shubman Gill

India’s wunderkind Shubman Gill will open the innings alongside Rohit Sharma. Gill has quickly made a name in the cricketing world since his debut in 2019. Gill has 1311 ODI runs to his name and let alone in 2023 he has already scored 624 runs in nine matches at an average of 78.00 and a strike rate of 117.51 including three centuries and a double-century. He is in red-hot form and he will be a key player for India going into the Asia Cup and World Cup.

3: Virat Kohli

A name that needs no introduction, Virat Kohli, will come in at number 3 as he has been for many years. Virat is known for his ability to perform under pressure on big stages and India will want him to unleash his beast version yet again for the Asia Cup and the World Cup later this year. Since 2020, Virat has played 32 matches, scoring 1289 runs at an average of 41.58 and a strike rate of 96.84 including three centuries and 10 half-centuries.

4: KL Rahul (Wicket-Keeper)

KL Rahul has started the rehabilitation program and is well on his way to recovery and will be fighting fit before the Asia Cup starts. KL Rahul will also perform the wicket-keeping duties for India as the management seems to prefer Rahul over Ishan Kishan or any other batter.

5: Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer is another name who got injured, he suffered a lower-back injury and opted out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as well as the World Test Championship (WTC) Final. He underwent surgery a few weeks ago in the United Kingdom (UK) and is likely to make a return before the Asia Cup. He has been an important member of Indian teams in recent months, and his spin game is also excellent, so he will be the right choice for the number-five spot.

6: Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya, the outstanding all-rounder, is the Indian team’s X-factor, and he will play a major role in upcoming events. He is a match-winner with both the bat and the ball, and he also gives depth to the Indian bowling lineup. Apart from his batting and bowling abilities, he is also a terrific leader, which will help Rohit Sharma in making decisions on the field.

7: Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja who missed out on the T20 World Cup last year due to the injury will be keen to make a comeback and perform to the best of his abilities in the Asia Cup and the World Cup. Since Sri Lankan pitches are spin-friendly, he will be an extremely potent weapon, and opponents must keep an eye out for him.

8: Kuldeep Yadav

Chinaman, known for his wrist spin and ability to provide breakthroughs, is going to be the team’s top spinner. Kuldeep Yadav’s ability to deceive batsmen with his variations makes him a dangerous weapon, especially in Sri Lankan conditions.

9: Mohammad Shami

The experienced fast bowler, Mohammad Shami, brings pace, accuracy, and the experience to the Indian bowling attack. Shami’s ability to take wickets with the new ball and his effectiveness in the death overs make him an integral part of the team.

10: Mohammad Siraj

After his impressive performances in recent times, Mohammad Siraj has cemented his place in the Indian team. With his ability to generate pace and movement off the pitch, Siraj is likely to be a valuable asset in the Asia Cup. Since his ODI debut in 2019, Siraj has taken as many as 43 wickets in 24 matches.

11: Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah is likely to return to the International scene after a gap of almost a year. He last played a professional cricket match in September 2022 and has been out of cricket due to injuries. Bumrah’s addition will add great strength to the Indian lineup as India is missing a wicket-taker and his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations makes him an automatic choice in the playing XI.

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