Umran Malik Set To Be Included in Indian Cricket Team for Asian Games 2023 As Replacement for Injured Shivam Mavi: Report
The Gujarat Titans' bowler is said to have suffered an injury which will rule him out of the upcoming Asian Games. Umran Malik, known for his raw pace, is reportedly set to be named his replacement.
In a blow, Shivam Mavi is reportedly set to miss the Asian Games 2023 due to an injury. Mavi, who made his international debut earlier this year, is said to have suffered an undisclosed injury and now, he is set to be replaced by Umran Malik. The Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler was last seen in action for the Indian team in the ODI series against West Indies and was not picked in the squad for the Asia Cup as well as the ICC World Cup 2023. According to a report in The Indian Express, a replacement for Shivam Mavi is set to be named in the coming days with Umran Malik likely to be picked. Indian Cricket Team's Jersey for Asian Games 2023 Leaked? See Pictures of Team India Kit.
The report also states that the Indian team is set to have a camp of two weeks in Bengaluru at the National Cricket Academy after which the side, which is going to be led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, will travel to China for the continental event. It has to be kept in mind that the senior Indian men's team will be busy with their preparations, leading up to the ICC World Cup 2023 and hence, a second-string side will be seen in action in Hangzhou with VVS Laxman as the head coach and Sairaj Bahutule and Munish Bali as the bowling and fielding coaches, respectively. Bollywood Star Aamir Khan Shares Message for Indian Contingent Ahead of Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou (Watch Video).
It was known earlier that Yash Thakur was likely to replace Mavi with him being named in the standby list of players. But the Lucknow Super Giants fast bowler also is suffering from a back injury which thus makes Umran's chances of being picked, much higher. Cricket is set to start at the Asian Games 2023 on September 19 with the women's competition. The men's teams will be in action from September 28. It has to be noted that the matches would be played in T20I format and has reportedly been accorded international status. Cricket is making a return to the continent event, having missed out in the 2010 and 2014 editions. The Asiad in 2018 did not have the event.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 13, 2023 05:26 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).