Race For Spots
New Delhi
India’s selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, will meet today (August 19) to finalize the squad for the Men’s T20 Asia Cup, to be played in the UAE from September 9 to 28. This tournament is crucial, as players chosen will also form the core for next year’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
The spotlight is on Shreyas Iyer, Jitesh Sharma, Rinku Singh, and Riyan Parag. Their inclusion or exclusion will shape the balance of India’s squad. With Suryakumar Yadav returning after a hernia surgery and confirmed as captain, Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson are expected to keep their opening roles. Samson’s mixed form has raised doubts, but selectors may back him due to experience.
A key debate is over a backup opener, with Yashasvi Jaiswal having an edge over Test captain Shubman Gill. India’s first Asia Cup match is on September 10, while the tournament final is set for September 28, just before India’s Test series against West Indies.
Shreyas strengthens his case with improved batting against spin and short balls. Jitesh, who starred in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s maiden IPL win, is favored as a reserve wicketkeeper and finisher. Rinku, despite his finishing skills, may lose out after a poor IPL.
For all-rounders, Washington Sundar, Shivam Dube, and Riyan Parag are in contention. Sundar’s off-spin and batting make him attractive, while Dube offers power-hitting. Riyan, though promising, has yet to deliver consistently.