The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced the 15-member India men’s squad for the upcoming Asian Games T20 competition, with Ruturaj Gaikwad appointed as the captain of the team. The decision to name Gaikwad, a dynamic opening batter, as the leader of the squad reflects the BCCI’s confidence in his abilities.
It is worth noting that the BCCI has opted to field a second-string men’s side for the Asian Games, as the prestigious ODI World Cup is scheduled to commence in India on October 5, just two days after the conclusion of the Asian Games cricket competition. This move allows the senior players to focus on the World Cup preparations while giving opportunities to promising talents in the Asian Games.
The squad includes several familiar names from the domestic circuit, including Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma, and Tilak Varma. Additionally, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh and Mukesh Kumar, who are currently part of India’s T20I squad for the West Indies tour, have also been named in the Asian Games squad, adding depth and experience to the lineup.
A notable inclusion in the squad is Uttar Pradesh batter Rinku, who received his maiden India call-up. Singh showcased his power-hitting and finishing skills during the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the Kolkata Knight Riders, earning him recognition and a place in the national side. Similarly, Jitesh, a finisher from Punjab Kings, has been given a chance to prove his worth in the Asian Games squad after being omitted from the T20Is in the Caribbean and the USA.
However, Prithvi Shaw, who has been named in the West Zone’s squad for the Deodhar Trophy, followed by a county stint with Northamptonshire in the UK, did not find a place in the Asian Games squad.
The spin department will be spearheaded by Bengal and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) left-arm spinner Shahbaz Ahmed, who will work alongside Washington Sundar and Ravi Bishnoi.
Shivam Dube is the only seam-bowling all-rounder in the squad, providing a valuable balance to the team.
In addition to the main squad, Yash Thakur, Sai Kishore, Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Hooda and Sai Sudarsan have been selected as the reserve players, ready to step in if required.
India squad for Asian Games: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rahul Tripathi, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Washington Sundar, Shahbaz Ahmed, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Mukesh Kumar, Shivam Mavi, Shivam Dube, Prabhsimran Singh (wk)
Stand-by Players: Yash Thakur, Sai Kishore, Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Hooda, Sai Sudarsan.