3 Potential Contenders if KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer Miss Asia Cup 2023
The 16th edition of the Asia Cup is set to take place from August 30 to September 17, with Sri Lanka and Pakistan co-hosting the prestigious tournament. As defending champions, Sri Lanka aims to assert their authority and secure a strong start to their campaign. On the other hand, Pakistan, last edition’s runners-up, boasts a formidable side with significant potential.
Also Read: KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer Likely to Miss Asia Cup 2023
Amidst the anticipation, Team India finds itself contemplating squad adjustments following their lacklustre performance in the West Indies. This presents an excellent opportunity for India to evaluate their bench strength ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup scheduled for October. While the squad for the Asia Cup is expected to feature many first-team players, a few reserves might also be given a chance to shine.
However, India’s preparation is marred by concerns over the fitness of star players KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, both ruled out due to injuries – a thigh and a back injury, respectively. In the event that Rahul and Iyer are unavailable for the continental tournament, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) may consider introducing fresh faces to fill the void.
In this feature, we highlight three players who are potential contenders for selection in case Iyer and Rahul miss out. These talented batters showcased their prowess during the recently-concluded Deodhar Trophy, making a compelling case for their inclusion in the national team.
Riyan Parag (Assam)
While unconventional at first glance, Riyan Parag of Assam emerges as a compelling option. His outstanding performance in the Deodhar Trophy for the East Zone has garnered attention, making him a noteworthy candidate. Parag’s versatility could offer a fresh dimension to the Indian team, not only due to his explosive batting prowess in the lower order but also his adeptness with the ball.
It’s worth acknowledging that neither Rahul nor Iyer typically occupies a lower-order batting position. However, Parag’s multifaceted skills might sway the decision in his favor. As a player of the Rajasthan Royals since his 2019 debut, he aspires to make a lasting impression on the national stage, aiming to catch the eye of esteemed coach Rahul Dravid. Nevertheless, scrutiny has occasionally fallen upon his fielding capabilities.
Parag’s performance in the Deodhar Trophy tells a compelling story. A remarkable 354 runs at an average of 88.50 has significantly bolstered his case for selection. Particularly notable is his position as the tournament’s leading run-scorer, a notable achievement given his lower-order batting role. His preferred batting slots, numbers five and six, underscore his consistency and potential impact on the team.
Harvik Desai (Saurashtra)
A standout performer in the recently-concluded Deodhar Trophy, Harvik Desai, exhibited a captivating display on behalf of the West Zone. The Saurashtra batsman showcased his dominance by amassing an impressive 301 runs across five innings, maintaining a notable average of 60.
While the immediate inclusion of Desai in the national team might appear ambitious, there’s merit in offering him an opportunity to showcase his skills in Sri Lanka’s familiar conditions. At 23 years of age, Desai has ascended to prominence, having etched his name into cricketing history by clinching victory for India in the 2018 Under-19 World Cup final against Australia.
Desai’s journey within the Saurashtra cricket circle has been substantial. Serving the team for a considerable duration, his proficiency both behind and in front of the stumps – as a wicketkeeper-batsman – enhances his candidacy. This is particularly significant considering KL Rahul’s potential dual role as a wicketkeeper in the Asia Cup for India.
Incorporating Harvik Desai into the national team setup might present an intriguing prospect, leveraging his proven batting prowess and dual role capabilities, thereby warranting a closer evaluation from selectors.
Mayank Agarwal (Karnataka)
A significant contender vying for selection in the upcoming Asia Cup is none other than the opener, Mayank Agarwal. At 32 years old and having last showcased his prowess in a Test match for India in 2022 against Sri Lanka, Agarwal is eager to don the national jersey once more, this time in the limited-overs format.
Guiding the South Zone to victory in the Deodhar Trophy, the Karnataka batsman showcased his mettle by accumulating an impressive 341 runs at an average of 68. Notably, he contributed a splendid 63 runs during the final clash against the East Zone. Emerging near the top of the run-scoring charts, Agarwal believes he has exerted maximum effort to stake his claim for an ODI team return. His most recent ODI appearance dates back to November 2020 in Sydney against Australia.
Known for his aggressive playing style, Agarwal has the potential to provide India with a strong start during the powerplay overs, making him a comparable replacement for Rahul. It’s worth acknowledging, though, that Agarwal’s track record in white-ball cricket for India has not been particularly striking, amassing just 86 runs across five innings. Nevertheless, considering his current exceptional form, there’s a growing consensus that he deserves another opportunity to prove his capabilities on the international stage.
