With the season starting with the Asia Cup, the future of a form of cricket can be decided in the coming 82 days. In fact, ODI is losing its breath between the most sacred form of cricket, Test and instant format T-20. Nearly four decades ago, media tycoon Kerry Packer had rejuvenated ODI cricket with his World Series.
For the first time, cricket was played in colored clothes, with a white ball under floodlights. Commentator John Arlott named Carrie Packer's series as a 'circus'.
But this circus took cricket to new heights of popularity for the next 40 years. But now the changing times have stolen time from people. People are not able to find time for 50-50 overs matches. With the advent of T20, ODI cricket matches have started getting boring to the spectators. The circus tent of ODI cricket has started to crumble. This is the reason that speculations are rife that a lot is at stake on the Asia Cup and then the ICC World Cup to be played in India from October 5 to November 19.
The 16th season of Asia Cup is starting from 30 August. Pakistan has got the hosting rights but after the Indian team refused to go to Pakistan, Sri Lanka has been made the co-host. Now 9 out of 13 matches including the final are being played in Sri Lanka. The Asia Cup was organized for the first time in 1984.
Till now 15 editions have been organized, but only three teams have become its champions so far. India holds the record of winning the most titles in the history of the Asia Cup, which has been played for 39 years. India has won the cup 7 times so far.
At the same time, the Sri Lankan team has won the trophy 6 times. Pakistan has won the Asia Cup title twice.
Keeping in mind the ODI World Cup to be held in October-November, it is a good thing that this time the Asia Cup is being played in ODI format. The last Asia Cup tournament was played in T20 format in the United Arab Emirates in the year 2022.
Under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, Team India faltered in Super-4 itself and was out of the tournament. In the final, Sri Lanka won the title by defeating Pakistan in a close match.
After a disappointing performance in the last edition, Rohit Sharma-led Team India is expected to perform strongly this time.
The tournament will start with the match between Pakistan and Nepal. The much publicized and much awaited great match will be played between India and Pakistan on September 2. There is no bigger competition than this in limited overs cricket.
Now let's talk about those players who will have to give their best to make India the champion, although cricket is a team game, yet in this game, victory and defeat are often decided by individual performance.
Before proceeding further, let us tell you that KL Rahul is not available for the first two matches. Head coach Rahul Dravid has confirmed this. Obviously this is a big blow for India.
This means Ishan Kishan will be the wicketkeeper. If Rahul is not fit even after two matches, stand by Sanju Samson will be included in the team. Obviously, in the absence of KL Rahul, Virat Kohli will have to bat at number three. Many experts wanted Virat to play at number four.
For some time now, many experiments have been done in the middle order. Head coach Rahul Dravid has clarified, “People talk a lot about experiments but even 18-20 months ago, I could tell who were the candidates for number four and five – it was always KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer was in the middle, but unfortunately everyone got injured together."
Known for his incredible batting ability and consistency, Virat Kohli is the biggest icon of modern cricket. His ability to score runs in all formats and adapt to all conditions makes him an extraordinary player.
Be it chasing Sachin Tendulkar's record of 49 ODI hundreds, 13,000 ODI runs or his exploits against Pakistan, there is a lot to look forward to when it comes to Virat.
So it is clear that if Team India has to achieve success in the Asia Cup, then India's run machine Kohli will have to play an important role. He has been in excellent form with his bat since the 2022 Asia Cup and has scored six centuries.
Well, head coach Rahul Dravid must have got relief from the return of his number four batsman. India No. 4 Shreyas Iyer will return to action in the Asia Cup after recovering from injury and will look to continue from where he left off.
Shreyas Iyer will be keen to repeat his consistency in 2022. Last year he was India's top scorer in all formats. Iyer is one of the best players against spin. Can do wonders on Sri Lankan pitch. His average in 42 ODIs is 46.60. It is clear from Dravid's statement that Shreyas will be given preference over Surya Kumar Yadav.
This is probably the last chance for Rohit 'Hitman' Sharma to transform from a good batsman to a great captain. The next three months will decide what kind of legacy Rohit Sharma leaves behind. His name will be taken after Kapil Dev and Mahendra Singh Dhoni if India becomes world champion under his captaincy.
India's 'Hitman' is considered one of the greatest players of all time. Rohit is known for his explosive batting and ability to score big centuries.
He holds the record for the highest individual score in ODIs. His fans would like him to score big and touch the 10,000-run mark in ODIs, but also lead his country to victory in the Asia Cup and later the World Cup on home soil.
Rohit Sharma is running in excellent form this year. He has scored 383 runs in nine innings at an average of 47.87 and is expected to perform better in the Asia Cup.
The Lord of Swing has returned. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has made a strong comeback after a long injury. He was made captain and sent to Ireland. By taking two wickets each in both the matches, Bumrah showed that he still has the same attitude that even big batsmen fear.
He has played an important role in the successes of the Indian team in recent times. If Bumrah performs at his peak, it will make India a strong contender for the Asia Cup as well as the World Cup to be held thereafter.
After his brilliant performance in IPL, Tilak Verma has made a great debut in international cricket. This brilliant batsman won the trust of the selectors by playing innings of 39, 51 and 49 not out respectively in the first three matches of the T20 series against West Indies.
The selectors have also selected him for the Asia Cup. Variation in batting requires a left-handed batsman. Tilak has the ability to hit big shots. The 20-year-old will surely be one to watch during the Asia Cup.
While the eyes of the whole world are focused on the match between India and Pakistan, former India captain and veteran commentator Sunil Gavaskar and former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram believe that one should not be under any illusion that Sri Lanka will successfully defend the title. Does not hold on to the ability to do. However, according to a report, Avishka Fernando and Kusal Perera have become Covid positive.
Gavaskar says, "In the Asia Cup, we are talking about the India-Pakistan rivalry... but don't forget that Sri Lanka is also there, and they are winning the Asia Cup. The rivalry between these three countries has always been something It is special."
Akram believes, 'Last time we predicted the final between India and Pakistan but Sri Lanka won the competition. These three teams are dangerous and any one of them can win. Other teams are also participating. Last time Sri Lanka won the title and India could not even reach the final.
While India has been placed in Group A along with Pakistan and Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan are in the other group
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