The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently announced the 15-member squad for the Asian Games 2023, scheduled to be held in China later this year. However, due to a clash with the World Cup 2023, set to take place in India, the board has chosen to announce a second-string squad.
Meanwhile, Aakash Chopra, a former India cricketer, expressed his concerns regarding the Indian team’s selection for the Asian Games. He specifically highlighted Arshdeep’s inclusion in the squad and speculated that the selectors’ decision might indicate his exclusion from the upcoming 50-over World Cup.
“I am surprised Arshdeep Singh’s name is in this team. I am surprised because they are not considering him for ODIs at all. You didn’t consider him for the T20Is as well in the West Indies,” said Chopra on his YouTube channel.
“Now you are not considering him for the Asia Cup and are already keeping him out of the World Cup list. What has happened? When I see Arshdeep Singh, it seems like there is a huge upside, he is a player for the long haul and can play all three formats, at least both white-ball formats, but they have not kept him currently,” he further added.
The Punjab left-arm pacer had an impressive performance in the T20 World Cup in Australia, where he ended up as India’s top wicket-taker. However, he struggled during the three-match ODI series in New Zealand and couldn’t take any wickets. Later, he wasn’t selected for India’s 50-over squad.
India relies on Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, and Jasprit Bumrah as their frontline pacers, with the possibility of considering Hardik Pandya as the fourth option. To bolster their options further, the team management could consider selecting backup pacers such as Umran Malik, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Mukesh Kumar.
Team India will begin its World Cup 2023 campaign against Australia on October 8 in Chennai and play a highly anticipated clash with Pakistan on October 15 at the Narendra Modi stadium, which is the world’s largest cricket stadium.
