India is gearing up to make its debut in cricket at the Asian Games, as both the Men’s and Women’s teams prepare to participate in the upcoming event in Hangzhou. This marks a significant milestone for Indian cricket, as it will be the first time the nation sends a cricket team to the prestigious multi-sport event.
According to reports from The Indian Express, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed its agreement to send both the Men’s and Women’s teams for the Asian Games, scheduled to take place from October 23rd to October 8th. However, due to a clash with the 2023 World Cup, the Men’s team will consist of a second-choice squad.
Leading the Women’s team will be Harmanpreet Kaur, who will spearhead a first-choice squad in their quest for glory at the Asian Games. Kaur’s experience and leadership skills are expected to be instrumental in guiding the team towards a successful campaign.
As for the Men’s team, it will be captained by Shikhar Dhawan, a seasoned Indian batter. Despite being dropped from the One Day International (ODI) squad, Dhawan’s wealth of experience could prove invaluable in leading a young and talented squad. With several regular players likely to be unavailable due to injury concerns for the World Cup, Dhawan’s leadership will play a pivotal role in ensuring a competitive showing at the Asian Games.
The second-choice Men’s team is anticipated to include breakout stars from the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma, and Tilak Verma. These young talents have showcased their skills and potential, earning them a chance to represent India at the Asian Games. Another promising candidate, Nitish Rana, is expected to contribute with his batting experience.
However, it is worth noting that several injured players, including KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, and Jasprit Bumrah, are currently uncertain for the World Cup and unlikely to be available for the Asian Games.
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The Men’s team is also expected to feature talented individuals such as Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshal Patel, Mukesh Kumar, Deepak Chahar, Krunal Pandya, Prasidh Krishna, Deepak Hooda, and Washington Sundar. Their inclusion further bolsters the team’s prospects and adds depth to both the batting and bowling departments.
As preparations begin in earnest, Indian cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the performance of their national teams at the Asian Games. With a formidable Women’s team led by Harmanpreet Kaur and a young yet promising Men’s team under the captaincy of Shikhar Dhawan, Indian cricket fans have high hopes for a memorable campaign in Hangzhou.
The Asian Games will not only provide an opportunity for Indian cricketers to showcase their talent on a global platform but also serve as a stepping stone in the continued growth and development of cricket within the country.
