Rohit Sharma to lead as we look at the updated predicted squad list for Team India for Asia Cup 2022.

The months from August to November will be the busier months for cricket fans. Not only we will witness countless bilateral series for different international teams, but we will also see two major T20 tournaments, Asia Cup 2022 and T20 World Cup 2022. The first of the lot, Asia Cup 2022 will be played from August 27 to September 11, 2022. 

We are just a few days away from the official announcement of Team India’s official squad for Asia Cup 2022. Team India are currently playing their last T20 series before the upcoming Asia Cup 2022. Even as we are left with the last two matches, we are already in the situation to look at Team India confirmed playing 11 for Asia Cup 2022. 

The entire selection discussion for Team India shall revolve around a couple of spots that are yet to be finalized. Given the situation, Team India is in, 12-13 players almost select for themselves. But which are the other two spots that Team India shall have a discussion upon for the final squad selection? 

We shall look at all these answers in this article. So, without any delay, let’s look at the updated predicted playing 11 for Team India for Asia Cup 2022. Apart from 15 confirmed names, India shall also name 3 reserves as a part of COVID-19 contingency and any injury concerns. Alright then, let’s get to it. 

Confirmed 12 Players:

Talking about the confirmed batters among 12 players, we have Captain Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav. Without a doubt, these four are key batters in Asia Cup 2022. While Rohit and KL are our first-choice openers, Suryakumar Yadav and Virat Kohli shall play a key role in the middle-order. 

Talking about wicket-keepers, it seems Ishan Kishan is out of contention with India already having 4 opening options. Ishan might be in the top 18 probables, but when it comes to the top 2 wicket-keepers, we have Southpaw Rishabh Pant and Finisher Dinesh Karthik. These two are certain of their spot for Asia Cup 2022. 

Apart from these 6, Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja shall be Team India’s two first-choice All-rounders. Undoubtedly, Hardik and Jadeja form India’s best available all-rounders. They are true all-rounders when it comes to all three dimensions. Be it batting, bowling, or fielding, Hardik and Jadeja are A+ levels. 

Coming to the bowling, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Arshdeep Singh are confirmed starters for Asia Cup 2022. A fit Harshal Patel will also be a confirmed starter, but given that he is still recovering from a rib injury, his availability would be understood in a few days. 

Discussion on 3 Spots 

The main discussion shall revolve around 3 spots. That is a backup batter, backup pacer, and backup spinner. There are 6 names competing for these 3 spots. This includes Harshal Patel, Deepak Chahar, Deepak Hooda, Shreyas Iyer, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravi Bishnoi. We have two players each for the 3 spots. 

From the above, Deepak Hooda seems to be having an edge over Shreyas Iyer given the recent performances in T20Is. So, expect Deepak to play the role of a backup batter/all-rounder. Between Deepak Chahar and Harshal Patel, Harshal is more deserving. But if Harshal doesn’t recover, Deepak could get the selection nod.

Finally, the call between Ashwin and Bishnoi will be the most difficult one. Before the West Indies T20 series, Bishnoi was the frontrunner for the backup spinner spot. But Ashwin was played ahead of Bishnoi in the WI T20 series. Fortunately, Ash performed well. So, it clearly says, Rohit seems to have more liking for Ashwin. 

Asia Cup 2022: Confirmed Predicted 15 Players Squad List for Team India

Batters: KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav & Virat Kohli 

Wks: Dinesh Karthik & Rishabh Pant 

All-rounders: Deepak Hooda, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja & Ravichandran Ashwin

Bowlers: Arshdeep Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, Jasprit Bumrah & Yuzvendra Chahal

Reserves: Shreyas Iyer, Ravi Bishnoi & Deepak Chahar

Coach: Rahul Dravid // Captain: Rohit Sharma

So, that completes the updated predicted squad for Team India for Asia Cup 2022. Almost 13 members select for themselves along with a fit Harshal Patel. The only debates will be between Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravi Bishnoi & Shreyas Iyer and Deepak Hooda. 

Thanks for reading! What’s your squad for Team India for the Asia Cup 2022? Please email your comments to business@cricalytics.com

ALSO READ: Asia Cup 2022: Predicted Schedule of Tournament – India v Pak on Aug 28

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Adesh Kothari is the founder of AK4Tsay1 Cricalytics.

Cricket to him is like what ‘Football is to Lionel Messi’, ‘Singing is to Lata Mangeshkar’, ‘Dancing is to Michael Jackson’, and what ‘Acting is to Clint Eastwood’.

Besides his effervescent love for Cricket, Adesh is an MBA by qualification.