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On Monday, Delhi witnessed a momentous occasion as the Board of C🥂ontrol for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveiled the 17-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup. In the presence of Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and chairman of the selection committee. Ajit Agarkar, the roster was revealed, eliciting a mix of anticipation an♒d intrigue.
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 cꦦaught 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:
Nobody talks about Tilak Verma's two consecutive failures, while Sanju Samson's failure of a match goes against him on Twitter. Do the rules apply only to Sanju Samson.
— SACHIN MAHESHWARI (@Sachin_Gandhi7)
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 𒉰selectors ❓— Sir Anthoni (@imAnthoni_)
Tilak Varma & SKY ahead of ,this is how lobby works..!
Tilak's score in last 2 innings 0 & 1. Lefty tax is'nt an excuse as Kishan is already there.
SKY in ODI :avg 24 after 26 matches.Sanj🐼u in ODI: 56 avg & 104 S/R, scored 50 in the last match wi﷽th 125 S/R as no:4.
— Amal Sudhakaran (@amal_sachinism)
Maiden ODI Call for Tilak Varma in the Asia Cup. He's the future of Indian cricket.
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan)
Sky and Tilak Verma selected in squad ahead of . On what parameters???
He averages ov🎐er 56 in odis which is way ahead of Sky. All joking ♊around.— Guman Singh Rathore (@GumaanSingh)
Sanju Samsoꦡn should have made it ahead of Suryakumar Yada๊v.
— Venkata Krishna B (@venkatatweets)
Unfair for Sanju. They groo🌟med him to play in the middle order and then selects tilak (who has 🌄not played a single ODI) ahead of him. Another selection blunder 🥹
— Rajnish Yadav (@KrajnishYadav)
Sanju Samson is not pick🎶ed over Suryakumar Yadav & Tilak Varma for Asia Cup because he he didn’t have MI lobby pass. And we ask why India don’t win trophies
— Akif (@KM_Akif)
Gamble selection
— A📖🕉️ (@inevitable__31)
Sanju Samson has an average of 55.71 in ODIs, they didn't selected him based on his performance in West Indies Series but they selected Tilak Varma based on Ireland Series , even he didn't played single ODI , Please
release him,he will join— K Ram Chandra (@Ramcharan220)
Non sense selection and when they wil🐓l lose, they will blame the players
— Ritesh (@Riteshsh108)
I am happy for him but i♌t was not🧜 the right choice 🥲
— Dhaval Patel (@CricCrazy0)
Stage was all set to avoid from the squad😇
But 's inability to avoid is completely laughable🤣
Becos know they're carrying some unfit players. So forced to keep as back up keeper till thier favorites get match fit.
— Rohit (@___Invisible_1)
