An important year in the calendar of Indian Cricket, specially in the next two months as India enter the engaging and thrilling ODI competitions, the Asia Cup 2023 and the ICC World Cup 2023. A lot has been said after a mediocre outing of the Indian cricket team in the recent West Indies series and the loss to Australia in the World Test Championship final, which marks almost 10 years of not winning an ICC trophy. Concerning for a team like India and they would really like to turn things around starting with the Asia Cup 2023. They have been drafted in the same group alongside arch-rivals Pakistan. The third team that accompanies them in the Group is Nepal, who will play in the competition for the first time ever. India will back themselves to qualify from this group and make it to the final. ‘One Thing I Want in This Team Is To Make Sure Everyone Is Okay To Bat Anywhere’ Says Rohit Sharma Following India’s Asia Cup 2023 Squad Announcement.

India have a crisis in their middle order as KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer recovers through serious injuries. Their uncertainties has given coach Rahul Dravid much to think about and also an opportunity to Suryakumar Yadav to make way in to the ODI playing XI despite not having the best start to his ODI career. Jasprit Bumrah has returned from injury and is all set to spearhead the bowling attack. India will hope Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya joins with form behind them as eyeballs remain once more on Captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

Date Matches Venue Time (in IST)
September 2 India vs Pakistan Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele 1:00 PM
September 4 India vs Nepal Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele 1:00 PM

Despite much controversies, it cannot be denied are India are a very strong squad, specially in the ODI format and they will be looking for just a few openings to impose themselves and clinch a win. After almost a decade of not winning an ICC trophy, India will be agitated to prove themselves in the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023, and the Asia Cup 2023 might act as a perfect launchpad to generate momentum behind them for the pursuit of the ultimate title.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 23, 2023 05:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).