Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri has offered his insights into the upcoming Asia Cup 2023, shedding light on players like Shikhar Dhawan and Ishan Kishan and discussing India’s batting lineup. Shastri highlighted Dhawan’s often underrated contribution to the team and discussed the team’s plans for the tournament.
In a conversation on the Star Sports Selection Day show, Shastri shared his thoughts on the batting lineup for the Asia Cup 2023 and its potential composition. He mentioned the ongoing discussions among the team management and selectors to determine the ideal combination for the top seven positions in the lineup. One of the key decisions pending is regarding the opening partner for Rohit Sharma, with both Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill in contention for the role.
Reflecting on the significance of past experiences, particularly the 2019 World Cup campaign, Shastri highlighted the crucial role played by the seasoned Indian opener, Shikhar Dhawan, in the team’s overall dynamics.
Shastri emphasized that Dhawan’s contribution is often not fully recognized and appreciated. He referred to the 2019 World Cup campaign and how Dhawan’s absence in the semifinal made a substantial difference. Dhawan’s left-handed batting at the top of the order provided a balance against the ball swinging away, which allowed teams to strategize better against right-handed batsmen.
He stated, “I was a coach at that time, and I keep saying that people don’t give the credit that Shikhar Dhawan deserves. I mean, that guy was an amazing player. You mention the World Cup in 2019 where we lost that semifinal when we had a brilliant World Cup, he was the missing man there.”
Shastri went on to discuss the batting order for the Asia Cup 2023, suggesting that Ishan Kishan should feature at the top of the order. He proposed a flexible approach for the other positions, with the likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill potentially occupying positions 2, 3, and 4.
Shastri’s insights provide a glimpse into the strategic considerations and decision-making processes that shape India’s cricket lineup as they prepare for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023.
-IANS
