Asian Games 2023: 5 Cricketers who could be surprise packages of 2023

Jitesh Sharma. (Photo Source: BCCI)

Men’s cricket is all set to kick off in the coveted Asian Games 2023 in China’s Hangzhou. This time top-seeded Asian countries have sent their squads to fight for the gold medal. The multinational event has both men’s and women’s teams participating. 

In this edition, 15 teams will participate while the top 4 teams are granted direct entry to the Quarter Finals bypassing the group matches. The other 11 teams will fight it out in T20 matches; the preferred format for the tournament. It is expected that cricket will catch millions of eyeballs and play a role in global expansion through China.  

However, top participating teams have hardly sent their strong squads. But still, their final frontier looks lethal to take on the challenges. This short-span event will serve as a great opportunity for youngsters to step up and have a great run.  

5. Babar Hayat

Babar Hayat. (Photo Source: Getty Images)

Hong Kong’s veteran cricketer Babar Hayat is all set to feature in the Asian Games 2023. The right-hand batter is a seasoned campaigner for his team. The strongly built cricketer has a chance to show his calibre to the world of cricket when all eyes will be on the Asian Games.  

Hayat born in Pakistan, plays international cricket for Hong Kong. He came to the team way early and has been a promising prospect since then. With the limited opportunities he got, he showed he’s a great basher of the cricket ball. Mostly, he’s a backfoot player and that’s where he generates all the power in his shots. 

Many cricket pundits believe, things could have been much different had he been born in big cricketing nations. Now the stage is set for him, if he can deliver at this big stage he can fetch some deals in franchise leagues around the world. Players from associate nations thrive on these kinds of chances to prove their mettle.

4. Qasim Akram

Qasim Akram. (Photo by Michael Steele-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

Pakistan’s upcoming all-rounder Qasim Akram will play his first international match in the Asian Games. The aspiring cricketer who idolises former cricketer, Md Hafeez, is much like him. He primarily bats in the middle order and bowls off-spin.

He has the strong technique to bat in the middle phase. He is about to turn 21 but has already played 20 first-class matches. Though he hasn’t lived up to his potential in T20 cricket yet, he is very much capable. And PCB banking on him reflects their faith in him. 

He will captain Pakistan in this multi-nation event. He gets the opportunity to utilise his resources to the fullest. If he can lead the side to the Gold Medal win, more doors will open for him in the near future. Who knows PCB may think of him as a potential future captain of the senior side.

3. Jitesh Sharma

Jitesh Sharma. (Photo Source: BCCI)

Vidarbha’s Jitesh Sharma is having a gala time in his cricketing career. Last year he made his debut in the IPL and scored 234 runs at a strike rate of 163 playing for Punjab Kings. Thereafter he got a call in India’s T20I squad to replace Sanju Samson against Sri Lanka in early January this year. Since then, he’s been high on confidence.  

With the back of domestic matches, Jitesh is a smart wicketkeeper batter. He worked hard diligently in some aspects of his batting before IPL 2023 started. And he immediately got rewards, this season saw him score 309 runs at 160 SR. He’s a genuine finisher and it looks like he belongs to that breed of cricketer.  

In Asian Games, he may get the nod ahead of Prabhsimran Singh as a wicketkeeper batter. If he can play his natural games, then it will be a matter of time to get drafted into the main squad. Selectors always have an eye on him and it’s his time to pay back.  

2. Tanzim Hasan Sakib

Tanzim Hasan. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)

Bangladesh has found a new gem in Tanzim Hasan Sakib. The pacer from Sylhet has what it takes to succeed at this level. Tanzim made his international debut against India in the Asia Cup. Interestingly his first contribution in the match came off his bat as he smashed 14 off 8 balls including a six and a four. 

While bowling, he straightaway made an impact. He trapped Rohit Sharma in just the second ball of the innings. Then he made Tilak Verma come hard at him, but an inside edge off the stumps ended Tilak’s debut. The right-arm pacer bowled the last over as well winning the match with a ball to spare.

His impressive debut showed the promise of a great future. He has a lot to work on his bowling but he has the right temperament. During the Asian Games, he will get relatively easier sides which will eventually help him settle down in the international arena.  

1. Rinku Singh

Rinku Singh Batting. (Photo Source: Seb Daly/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

India’s rising star Rinku Singh stands a chance to prove his skills on an international level as well. He has already made his debut for India in the Ireland series. And with the limited opportunities he got over there, he was impressive. 

Rinku can be the answer to India’s middle-order debacle. He comes late in the innings, yet he manages to cross the hard yard most of the time. He is a strong power hitter of the ball. And most importantly in the middle phase, when boundaries dry up, he rises to the occasion. 

It never looked like he just stepped into the international arena. He played the same way he did during the IPL. And now in the Asian Games, he will ride on confidence to cement his place in the squad. Asian Games serves as an excellent chance for someone like him. It will help him to put his case up in the upcoming World T20.