As the countdown to the much-awaited showdown between arch-rivals India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023 begins, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has unveiled his Indian playing XI for the impending clash. The historic rivalry between the two cricketing giants will be reignited as they face off in a high-voltage encounter at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, just days before the ICC World Cup 2023. With India’s 17-man squad announced for the Asia Cup, excitement and anticipation have reached a fever pitch.
Former champions India, led by skipper Rohit Sharma, recently unveiled their squad for the Asia Cup with a press conference featuring chief selector Ajit Agarkar. The standout return of star players KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer marked a pivotal moment in the squad announcement for the Men in Blue.
Despite Rahul’s recent injury scare, where he encountered a niggle during his recovery from a thigh injury sustained during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, he has been included in the Asia Cup squad as a wicketkeeper-batter. Sanjay Manjrekar, analyzing the situation, believes Rahul’s name will grace the team sheet for the Asia Cup opener.
Manjrekar outlined his envisioned playing XI: “My three seamers would be Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Mohammed Shami. Hardik Pandya would be my fourth seamer. My spinners would be Jadeja and Kuldeep. My opening pair would comprise Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma. Virat Kohli would take the No. 3 spot. KL Rahul secures his place as he dons the wicketkeeper’s gloves.”
While the return of Shreyas Iyer was met with the declaration of his complete fitness, chief selector Agarkar clarified that Rahul’s niggle was unrelated to his prior injury. In anticipation of unforeseen circumstances, India has also included Sanju Samson as a reserve batter for the Asia Cup.
Amid India’s quest for a stable No. 4 batter, Manjrekar observed that either Shreyas Iyer or the uncapped Tilak Varma could potentially slot into the middle order. Addressing the need for balance in the batting lineup, Manjrekar noted, “With the first-choice side XI boasting right-handed batters in the first seven positions, including Hardik Pandya, India needs to incorporate a left-hander, Tilak Varma, somewhere. This presents a challenge for India.”
As the cricketing world braces itself for the resumption of one of the most intense rivalries in the sport, Sanjay Manjrekar’s insights into India’s potential playing XI add an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming clash. The convergence of skill, strategy, and emotion promises an unforgettable match between two game titans.
Manjrekar’s India XI for Asia Cup clash with Pakistan.
Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer/ Tilak Varma, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj
