The freshly announced squad exhibited a well-rounded composition, featuring a blend of seasoned players and promising talents. Amid the names, a few surprises and notable inclusions caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts.
A point of contention arose as Sanju Samson, despite his impressive ODI average of 55.71, found himself yet again overlooked by the selectors. The dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman’s absence from the primary squad was a subject of discussion among fans and analysts alike.
In an interesting twist, Tilak Varma, who recently made his T20I debut during the West Indies tour, was granted a spot in the ODI squad. This elevation from T20Is to ODIs highlights Varma’s burgeoning potential and adaptability across formats.
Ajit Agarkar revealed the reason behind Tilak Varma’s selection
The left-hander’s inclusion was commended by Agarkar, who remarked on the promise demonstrated by Varma’s performances and temperament during the West Indies tour.
Agarkar elaborated on the decision, stating, “In West Indies, we saw some real promise in terms of not just performances but the temperament. And it gives us an opportunity to take him with the team, give him some more exposure; a left-hander again, looks very promising. So fortunately we can take 17 here, it’ll be 15 at the World Cup. So when the time comes we’ll take that decision, but at the moment it at least gives the coach and captain an opportunity to have him with the squad.”
Also READ: India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar provides insight on Yuzvendra Chahal’s omission from the Asia Cup 2023 squad
Another focal point of discussion centred around Suryakumar Yadav‘s selection as a specialist batter in the team. Yadav, known for his remarkable T20 performances, has faced challenges in translating his success to the 50-overs format. His inclusion, though, signifies the selectors’ faith in his abilities and the opportunity to showcase his prowess on the international stage.
Here’s how fans reacted to Team India’s selection for the Asia Cup 2023:
3 Non Deserving MI lobby players got selected ahead of Asia Cup is disgusting..
– Surya Kumar Yadav
– Tilak Varma
– Ishan Kishan
Also Why they selected 6 pace and 3 Spin options when Asia Cup is in SL
Is Team selection that complicated for educated selectors#AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/jOaB5i9MG6
— Sir Anthoni (@imAnthoni_) August 21, 2023
Unfair for Sanju. They groomed him to play in the middle order and then selects tilak (who has not played a single ODI) ahead of him. Another selection blunder#SanjuSamson #AsiaCup #SelectionBlunder pic.twitter.com/8fRELOODkx
— Rajnish Kumar Yadav (@KrajnishYadav) August 21, 2023
(@inevitable__31) 
Stage was all set to avoid #SanjuSamson from the #AsiaCup2023 squad
But @BCCI's inability to avoid #SanjuSamson is completely laughable
Becos #BCCI know they're carrying some unfit players. So forced to keep #Sanju as back up keeper till thier favorites get match fit. https://t.co/CgvldCwC5O pic.twitter.com/phTOSjmBPH
— Rohit (@___Invisible_1) August 21, 2023
Also READ: From Mohammad Amir to Jasprit Bumrah: 5 players who bowled a maiden last over in T20Is
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