India announce 15-member squad for Asia Cup 2022, Virat Kohli returns

The Indian Cricket Board have announced India’s squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2022, scheduled to start on 27^th August 2022. A strong 15-member squad has been picked for the highly anticipated event. Indian skipper, Rohit Sharma will lead the side in a bid to defend the title, while former Indian skipper, Virat Kohli makes his return to the team as well.

For the unversed, Virat Kohli was rested for the ODI and T20I series against West Indies. Owing to his lean run with the bat, there were speculations over his inclusion in the Asia Cup squad. However, the selectors have continued to put faith in the Indian batter and named him in the 15-member squad.

Arshdeep Singh to replace Jasprit Bumrah in the squad

In a major boost, India’s vice-captain, KL Rahul has returned to the side. He will assume the vice-captaincy duties. World’s number two ranked T20I batter, Suryakumar Yadav makes the cut alongside Deepak Hooda and Rishabh Pant. India have persisted with Dinesh Karthik as their designated finisher in the T20I team. Moreover, Hardik Pandya’s presence should add great balance to the team.

🚨#TeamIndia squad for Asia Cup 2022 - Rohit Sharma (Capt ), KL Rahul (VC), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Deepak Hooda, R Pant (wk), Dinesh Karthik (wk), Hardik Pandya, R Jadeja, R Ashwin, Y Chahal, R Bishnoi, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan.

— BCCI (@BCCI) August 8, 2022

As far as spinners are concerned, the likes of Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravichandran Ashwin have all found a place in the 15-member squad. India’s young spinner, Ravi Bishnoi also finds a place in the squad. He bowled admirably in the recently concluded fifth T20I against West Indies, claiming four wickets for just 16 runs in 2.4 overs.

Indian veteran, Bhuvneshwar Kumar will lead the pace attack. He will share the fast bowling duties alongside Avesh Khan and Arshdeep Singh. Both the young seamers have impressed one and all with their skillsets in the limited opportunities that they have been presented.

In a big blow to the Indian team’s ambitions, Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the competition due to a back injury. The injury will require some time to heal and thus, he hasn’t been included in the squad.

Here’s a look at India’s 15-member squad for the Asia Cup 2022.

Rohit Sharma (C), KL Rahul (VC), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant(Wk), Deepak Hooda, Dinesh Karthik (Wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravi Bishnoi, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan.