5 Indian pacers who were ignored from Asia Cup 2023 squad

India has officially unveiled their 17-member squad for the upcoming ODI Asia Cup 2023. The team composition features a well-rounded mix of players, with the notable inclusion of five pacers to bolster the fast bowling department. This strategic move aims to provide the team with versatility and depth in their bowling options.

The squad announcement has generated excitement among cricket fans, as there are several shocking decisions. One of the biggest questions is the choice of pacers. As India went with five pacers, including Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur, and Prasidh Krishna, India lacked variety. India lacks a left-arm pacer, and two out of these five players have just started playing international cricket after almost a year. So, in today’s article, we will discuss five pacers who missed out on the Asia Cup squad.

#5. Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Source: Twitter)

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s absence from India’s Asia Cup squad can be attributed to his recent struggles in the ODI format. Over the last few months, his performance has been inconsistent, as evident from his last seven games, where he managed to secure only nine wickets. What’s more concerning is that in five out of those seven matches, he conceded over 50 runs, reflecting a lack of effectiveness with the ball.

This dip in form has likely influenced the selectors’ decision not to include him in the squad. Kumar’s inability to consistently deliver impactful performances may have raised concerns about his fitness and match-readiness. His last ODI appearance against South Africa in January further emphasises his limited participation and potential fitness issues. However, his inclusion might have provided India with a quality swing option.

#4. Deepak Chahar

Deepak Chahar (Source: Twitter)

Star Chennai Super Kings pacer Deepak Chahar also failed to make it into the squad. His absence can be attributed to his recent performance and struggles in the ODI format. In his last five matches, he secured only six wickets, though his economy rate was economical. It’s worth noting that his role as a like-for-like option to Shardul Thakur might have impacted his selection chances negatively.

Furthermore, Chahar’s performance in the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) season wasn’t stellar either. He managed to claim just 13 wickets in 10 matches, and his economy was over 8.4. Meanwhile, the last ODI he played was against Bangladesh in December last year, and his subsequent performances haven’t strongly advocated for his inclusion.

#3. Umran Malik

Umran Malik (Source: Twitter)

It is quite surprising that Sunrisers Hyderabad pacer Umran Malik has been omitted from India’s Asia Cup squad despite consistently featuring in ODIs recently. However, his recent poor performance in the format, coupled with a lack of consistency in his line and length, might have contributed to his exclusion. Despite possessing an impressive pace, his struggles with maintaining accuracy and precision could have been a concern for the team management.

Including Umran Malik in the Asia Cup squad could have offered India the advantage of having a genuine out-and-out pacer. This could have added a different dimension to the team’s bowling attack, providing a counterbalance to the medium-pace options. Although his recent performances were not up to par.

#2. Mukesh Kumar

Mukesh Kumar (Source: Twitter)

It’s surprising for many that Mukesh Kumar was left out of India’s Asia Cup squad, especially after his impressive debut in the last series against the West Indies. He showcased his talent by taking four wickets across three ODIs, demonstrating his potential to contribute to the team’s bowling arsenal.

However, with the return of senior pacers like Mohammad Siraj and Mohammed Shami, Kumar might have faced tough competition for a spot in the final squad. However, picking Prasidh ahead of him is a little bit controversial, as Prasidh just made a comeback while he was playing for the team.

#1. Arshdeep Singh

Arshdeep Singh (Source: Twitter)

The omission of Arshdeep Singh from India’s Asia Cup squad comes as a shock to many cricket enthusiasts. His absence is particularly surprising considering the unique dimension he could have added to the team with his left-arm pace bowling. Arshdeep’s recent T20I performances, which include an impressive tally of nine wickets in the last seven games, showcased his ability to be a wicket-taking asset.

However, the decision to leave him out might have been influenced by concerns over his performance in the death overs, where he has conceded runs at times. While his knack for picking up wickets is commendable, the team management’s consideration of the overall balance and effectiveness of the bowling attack could have played a pivotal role in his exclusion.

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