Last Updated on 3 years by Charbel Coorey
Cricket News: India squad analysis for Asia Cup 2022: Eighth title? | Will India win the 2022 Asia Cup?
Having won the prestigious tournament on seven occasions, defending champions India will be confident heading into the 2022 Asia Cup. Without a shadow of a doubt, India will start the multi-nation event as the favourites to win it for the eighth time. But, every new season brings challenges and the Indian team has a huge task ahead of them in the upcoming tournament. The Men in Blue are going through a transitional phase and trying to embrace the new fearless approach under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy.
India have named a strong 15-player squad for the six-team tournament, with pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and fellow quick Harshal Patel the only big names missing – both due to injury. Without two of their specialist T20 bowlers already out of the competition, a depleted Indian side will be looking to claim another title. However, it will not be easy for the Rohit Sharma-led side as other teams will pose a real challenge to them.
So, can India defend their title again this year?
To find the answer, first of all, we take a look at the squad of the squad team for the coveted tournament.
Rohit Sharma (C), KL Rahul (VC), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Deepak Hooda, Dinesh Karthik, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravi Bishnoi, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan.
By the looks of it, the squad looks like a good blend of youth and experience. But further analysis of the team might give us a better idea of the chances of the team in the tournament.
India squad analysis Asia Cup 2022: Strengths
A formidable batting order
When one talks about India, the strength is often the batting. Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul undoubtedly form one of the best white-ball opening pairs in world cricket right now. The duo have been absolute beasts in their way, and have left a path of staggering numbers.
Even though both haven’t batted together in recent times, having played so much cricket together in the past, they will be confident in setting the tone for their team upfront with the willow. Virat Kohli’s form has been the talk of the town, especially after a horror run in the England tour. Despite struggling with form, the team will bank on their star batter to come good as Kohli has proven himself time and time again in big tournaments.
While the top order, in particular, remains India’s primary strength, the middle order has come good, particularly after the IPL 2022. India’s highest-ranked T20I batter Suryakumar Yadav has been a revelation since his inception in the side. Dinesh Karthik’s comeback has solved India’s finishing problems. Apart from these, India also have Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja in their ranks which makes the batting line-up look even more formidable.
Two in-form All-rounders in Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja
Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja are two of the biggest assets of the Indian team at the moment and they will be the difference makers in the tournament. Both are unique in their own way but very effective when it comes to field operations.
While Hardik has been a sensation with the bat and ball since his return to the national team, Jadeja has proven his worth as a genuine all-rounder who can play according to the conditions. The good part about both the players is they are adaptive to situations and their game understanding has developed well over the years. The duo lends balance to the team which gives Rohit Sharma the luxury to play an extra batter or bowler.
A talented crop of spin bowlers
Spin has always been India’s traditional strength and the sluggish tracks in the UAE have assisted the spinners in the past. The spinners have a defining impact in the middle overs in T20 cricket and India relies heavily on the spin attack which features Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravi Bishnoi to wreak havoc in overs 7-15.
Backup options
India’s bench strength has been very strong over the last few years. The players who will be missing out on selection in the playing XI should consider themselves unlucky just because every single member of the Indian squad has earned their places on the back of strong performances in the IPL and the following bilateral series against South Africa, England, and Ireland. In all likeliness, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Deepak Hooda, and Ravichandran Ashwin will be benched at least for the first game.
All these players have performed well and if given an opportunity then can prove their mettle against the top Asian sides.
India Asia Cup 2022 squad analysis: Weakness
Inexperienced bowling attack
India’s pace battery will be on the lighter side due to the notable absence of India’s best all-format bowler Jasprit Bumrah and death-overs specialist Harshal Patel. Although it provides a great opportunity for young pacers like Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan to make their mark, their lack of experience in the international circuit might hurt India’s chances.
India have three frontline fast bowlers in Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, and Avesh Khan with Hardik Pandya being the all-rounder. Arshdeep and Avesh have no prior experience of playing in a multi-nation tournament like the Asia Cup.
The inexperience of the pace unit and lack of game time in a continental tournament like the Asia Cup might haunt India during the tournament in pressure situations.
If Indian pacers come good then India will find themselves in a good position to win their third consecutive Asia Cup title and their eighth overall.
