As per reports, India would have cricket teams for both men and women in the upcoming Asian Games. Earlier, it was said that only the women’s team would take part. However, BCCI is now considering sending a second-string men’s squad for the event. Of course, this team will not include the players who will be in the mix for the 2023 ODI World Cup which will happen in October-November later this year. In the squad for the Asian Games, we can expect a lot of debutantes. On that note, here, we take a look at four Indian cricketers who could make their debut in the Asian Games 2023.
1) Jitesh Sharma
It appears that Team India might stick with Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson as the wicket-keeper options until the return of Rishabh Pant. Therefore, it is unlikely that Jitesh Sharma will get his chance in the near future.
This makes him a solid option for the Asian Games. He is quite experienced and is also producing results consistently. It would be a great idea for him to play the lead role in finishing games for Team India at this event. It would be a good test of his skills.
2) Mohsin Khan
Mohsin Khan is one of the Indian cricketers who could make their debut in the Asian Games 2023. If not for his injury, the Uttar Pradesh pacer would have already made his Indian debut. However, he has fallen behind in the pecking order right now. He did make a comeback in the second half of IPL 2023.
It would be a good time to integrate him into the Indian Team with the Asian Games. He shall be guaranteed a few games and the standard of competition will also be decent. Based on his performances here, a call could be taken further about his future.
3) Prabhsimran Singh
The Punjab opener is yet another youngster who is emerging in the mould of the likes of Prithvi Shaw and Yashasvi Jaiswal. He is an attacking batter and on his day, he could make big scores. Adding to this, he is also a wicket-keeper.
It would be nice to have an opener with an extra skill for the Indian Team. In this regard, the youngster might fancy an opportunity in the Asian Games. There are reports that Shikhar Dhawan might lead this team. Since Prabhsimran has already batted with Shikhar, it might help his case.
4) Harshit Rana
Harshit Rana is also one of the Indian cricketers who could make their debut in the Asian Games 2023. He is one player who is rated highly by many. In the few games that he got in IPL 2023, he managed to leave an impression.
In the ongoing Duleep Trophy, he scored a century. A front-line pacer who is also able to wield the willow is something that is rare in Indian cricket. Having done this, it would be interesting to see if the selectors would try to include him in the Indian setup. Grooming him could lead to good results and hence, in this context, Asian Games might not be a bad idea.
