The Asia Cup revealed a more settled and consistent Indian team, in contrast to previous concerns about their squad and batting order. Unlike the West Indies tour, where frequent changes raised doubts, India maintained stability in their squad during the Asia Cup, with alterations primarily due to injuries or strategic decisions. Despite challenges like fielding lapses and batting collapses, India displayed resilience and secured a significant victory over Sri Lanka in the final. This win, their first major trophy since 2018, underscores India’s readiness and adaptability as they approach the upcoming World Cup.
Overall, the Asia Cup served as a platform for India to fine-tune their preparations, address uncertainties, and solidify their team dynamics, boosting their confidence for the upcoming global cricketing event. Let us look at the top three positives for India ahead of World Cup 2023:
1. KL Rahul getting back in form
The Asia Cup highlighted India’s struggles due to injuries to key players. KL Rahul, returning from injury, showcased his value in the Super Four match against Pakistan. He scored an unbeaten 111 off 106 balls, forming a record-breaking partnership of 233 not out with Virat Kohli. Their efforts led India to a commanding 228-run victory, underscoring Rahul’s significance in the Indian ODI team.
With gloves also Rahul looked in good form, however, there are areas of improvement which the team management along with Rahul will surely get done.
2. Kuldeep Yadav picking wickets in middle overs
Throughout the year, India has signaled its reliance on Kuldeep Yadav as their primary spinner for the upcoming World Cup. Despite a significant decrease in appearances since the 2019 World Cup, he has enjoyed a prolific 2023, amassing 31 wickets at a remarkable average of 15.51. Among full-member countries and qualified World Cup teams, he shares the highest wicket tally this year with Sri Lanka’s Mahesh Theekshana.
In the Asia Cup, he claimed nine wickets at an impressive 11.44 average and was named the tournament’s Player of the Tournament, thanks in part to his exceptional five-wicket haul against Pakistan in the Super Four stage, contributing to India’s 228-run victory followed by a match finishing four-wicket haul against Sri Lanka which helped India win the match by 41 runs.
3. Hostile new ball bowling from Indian Seamers
Jasprit Bumrah showcased his regained fitness and form during the Asia Cup after his T20I series against Ireland. He made a strong impact in his return to ODI cricket, taking four wickets and proving difficult to score against with the new ball. Bumrah’s early wicket set the stage for India’s dominant performance against Sri Lanka. Not only Bumrah but Mohammed Siraj also showed his worth in the big final where the speedster gobbled up six wickets. Siraj was also chosen the Player of the Match for his inspiring bowling performance.
Among all these, one of the major breakthroughs for India in seam bowling was vice-captain Hardik Pandya. Be it the wicket of Babar Azam or his terrific bowling figure of 3/3 against Sri Lanka in the finals. Pandya made sure that India never felt that they needed a third seamer as the star all-rounder ended the tournament with six wickets to his name with an economy of just 3.34.
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