Cricket News: Three things for the Asia cup that India should have tested in the 2nd ODI
India registered a thumping 10-wicket win against Zimbabwe in the first ODI as the opening pair of Shikhar Dhawan and Shubman Gill chased down the target of 190 clinically
KL Rahul form as an openerAs this is the last international fixture happening before the mega event of the Asia Cup, there are certain areas that India needs to test on this tour to have a successful time in Asia Cup. The three factors that need to be tested are:
KL Rahul’s form as an opener
Skipper KL Rahul has been out of action for nearly two-and-a-half months from international cricket. Recovering from a sports hernia followed by covid has taken a lot of opportunities from the batter to gain his form before two significant events, the Asia Cup and World Cup.
Team management wants him to get some valuable batting time when he is included at the last moment on the Zimbabwe tour. Men in Blue would be eyeing to win the toss and get him to bat first on the bouncy pitch.
He must get to face some balls before facing the skills of bowlers like Shaheen Shah Afridi in the first fixture of the Asia Cup.
Deepak Hooda’s stint coming in at one down
Deepak Hooda has also found a place in the 15-member squad for Asia Cup after his successful international outing after IPL. However, this will be his first assignment on such a big platform if he makes it to the playing XI.
Therefore, he must get some time to bat up the order to gain the confidence to face world-class bowlers.
Bowling concern’s around Avesh Khan as one of the leading pacers.
Due to the unavailability of India’s first preference of pacers in Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel, Avesh Khan has bagged the significant opportunity to play as one of the main pacers in the Asia Cup.
Though the bowler has been stunning in the IPL, he struggled in international matches. His average and economy rate can cause concern for India in the mega-event.
Despite being in the squad for the Zimbabwe tour, he didn’t get to play the first game, and alternate pacer Deepak Chahar made a mesmerising comeback. In such a scenario where he has been preferred over Deepak Chahar in the Asia Cup, he needs to prove his worth in every possible game; else, he might become an easy player to find a substitute.
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