5 Indian Cricketers who could benefit from not getting picked in Asian Games squad

The Indian Cricket Board announced the squad for the Asian Games that are scheduled to take place in Hangzhou, China from September 23 to October 8, 2023. As such, certainly, players selected in the Asian Games squad will not be playing in the ODI World Cup 2023. Therefore, the following five Cricketers may actually benefit from not being selected in the Asian Games squad in the sense that their chances of playing in the ODI World Cup are still alive.

5. Ravichandran Ashwin

   

   Ravichandran Ashwin (Source: Twitter)

India’s spin ace Ravichandran Ashwin has been away from ODI Cricket for quite a long time. Although the chances of him returning to the ODI squad are low, there must be a reason why Ashwin was not picked for the Asian Games squad. Whether the selectors are only trying to keep their options open or they actually have something planned for Ashwin is yet to be seen.

4. Varun Chakaravarthy

   

   Varun Chakaravarthy (Source: Twitter)

Varun Chakaravarthy had a fantastic season in the Indian Premier League 2023 with Kolkata Knight Riders. A mystery spinner like him could be very handy in the Asian Games, given that it would be following the T20 format. Therefore, his snub from the team raises the question if the selectors are planning on using him in the World Cup. There has already been a fight for the wrist spinner position between Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav. As such, where Chakaravarthy would fit in is still an unanswered question.

3. Vijay Shankar

Vijay Shankar (Source: Twitter)

Batting all-rounder Vijay Shankar also had a marquee Indian Premier League 2023 season with Gujarat Titans. He comes in as a handy player in the T20 format. The most interesting thing about Vijay Shankar is that he possesses a very similar profile to Hardik Pandya. In case an injury occurs to India’s T20 skipper, Shankar is the time of player who could prove to be a like-for-like replacement. That could be a possible reason why he was not called up for the Asian Games.

2. Umran Malik

Umran Malik (Source: Twitter)

The young pace sensation, Umran Malik, may be short of experience, is the type of bowler who can shock batters with his pace and ability to break key partnerships. Especially in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, who is reported to be fully fit by the time Asia Cup 2023 begins, Malik could be a great option. Bumrah’s fitness cannot be trusted. Whether he would be able to play the entirety of the two main tournaments – Asia Cup and World Cup – is still unknown. Umran Malik, therefore, is a great option to have in the bag.

1. Axar Patel

Axar Patel (Source: Twitter)

Axar Patel is a great second-fiddle to India’s star left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja. Much like Jadeja, Patel also possesses the ability to play a quick-fire knock. As such, he is an amazing option to have as a replacement for Jadeja. It is evident that selectors would want him to be in his best shape ahead of the World Cup. That is the very reason why he will not be travelling to China to play in the Asian Games.

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