The Indian 15-man squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2022 was announced on Monday, 8 August. The Asia Cup is set to begin on 27th August in UAE. India will be looking to defend their title under the leadership of Rohit Sharma. The Men in Blue won the Asia Cup consecutively in 2016 and 2018.
KL Rahul returns for the Asia Cup
The Asia Cup marks the return of India’s vice-captain KL Rahul who has been out of action since the IPL. Rahul was the second highest scorer of the recent edition of IPL but sustained a groin injury which led to him missing out on the South Africa, England, and West Indies series.
Former Indian captain Virat Kohli also returns to the squad after missing out on the West Indies tour. Whereas, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, and Dinesh Karthik retain their place in the squad.
All-rounder Deepak Hooda forced his selection thanks to his ability to contribute in all departments and the fact that he can bat anywhere in the batting order. Hardik Pandya and Jadeja are the main all-rounders who have retained their place in the team.
India’s frontline spinner Yuzvendra Chahal returns after resting in the West Indies T20I series. Leggie Ravi Bishnoi is also added to the squad as Chahal’s backup. Veteran spinner Ashwin has also maintained his position in the team.
Bumrah ruled out due to back spasm
However, India’s spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah is set to miss the tournament which will be a major setback for the Indian team. Bumrah sustained a back spasm during the ODIs against England and will undergo rehab. It is not known when the premier pacer will return.
Harshal Patel is also set to miss out on the tournament as he is still recovering from a rib injury. He recently missed all the games in West Indies due to his injury.
India’s pace battery consists of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, and Avesh Khan. The selectors have kept Shreyas Iyer, Deepak Chahar, and Axar Patel as backup players.
🚨#TeamIndia squad for Asia Cup 2022 – Rohit Sharma (Capt ), KL Rahul (VC), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Deepak Hooda, R Pant (wk), Dinesh Karthik (wk), Hardik Pandya, R Jadeja, R Ashwin, Y Chahal, R Bishnoi, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan.
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 8, 2022
Notes –
Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel were not available for selection owing to injuries. They are currently undergoing rehab at the NCA in Bengaluru.Three players – Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel and Deepak Chahar have been named as standbys.
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 8, 2022
India’s first encounter in the Asia Cup will be against arch-rivals Pakistan on 28 August at the Dubai International Stadium in a repeat clash of last year’s T20 World Cup opening encounter.
Highlights:
• India’s squad for Asia Cup revealed.
• The Asia Cup will begin on 27 August and will be played in the UAE.
Asia Cup 2022 schedule revealed: India and Pakistan to face off at least twice in the tournament