India announces squad for Asia Cup 2023: Kl Rahul & Shreyas Iyer return in the team, Yuzi Chahal gets dropped.

The Selection Committee of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), under the leadership of Ajit Agarkar, has revealed the 17-member squad for the upcoming 2023 Asia Cup. Headed by Rohit Sharma, the team sees the return of key players who have recovered from injuries, while Yuzvendra Chahal has been excluded from the roster.

The squad for Asia Cup 2023: Rohit Sharma (C), Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav and Prasidh Krishna.

Among the noteworthy comebacks are KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, both of whom had been sidelined due to injuries. Their involvement in match simulations at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) led to a delay in announcing the squad, but their remarkable progress and improvement in fitness have impressed the coaching staff and management, securing their places in the squad.

The batting order retains Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli as the preferred top-order batsmen. The inclusion of KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan effectively addresses the team’s recent wicketkeeping concerns. The middle order gains strength with the return of stalwarts like Rahul and Shreyas Iyer. Additionally, Tilak Varma, based on his performances in the Caribbean T20Is, earns his debut call-up to the ODI squad.

The role of finishing the innings rests upon the capable shoulders of all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja. Shardul Thakur, who has been India’s leading wicket-taker in ODIs since the 2019 World Cup, is also part of the squad and presents a strong case for securing a spot in the playing XI during the tournament.

Jasprit Bumrah’s re-entry into the ODI squad bolsters India’s pace bowling department, joined by Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Mohammed Shami.

Kuldeep Yadav’s consistent form is rewarded with a place in the squad, solidifying his status as the primary spinner for the team in white-ball cricket. With the tournament being held in the subcontinent, his role as the sole wrist-spinner could be pivotal. Axar Patel provides an additional spin-bowling option for the team.

The 2023 edition of the Asia Cup is set to commence on August 30. Team India’s opening match against traditional rivals Pakistan is scheduled for September 2 at the Pallekele International Stadium.