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As the Asia Cup 2023 and the World Cup 2023 looming on the cricketing horizon, the India cricket team stands at a crucial juncture, aiming to regain its dominance in the international arena. India have not secured an ICC title since 2013, and these upcoming competitions present an opportunity to change that narrative.
The Asia Cup is slated to commence on Wednesday, August 30, and will culminate on Sunday, September 17. India‘s campaign in the tournament kicks off with a highly anticipated clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on Saturday, September 2, at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele.
Following the Asia Cup, India will host the ODI World Cup 2023 on home soil, marking the first time they will host the tournament independently, having previously served as co-hosts. The World Cup holds immense significance in the cricketing world, and India, as one of the sport’s powerhouses, aspires to capture the coveted title.
However, a notable Achilles’ heel for the Indian team in recent times has been their vulnerability to left-arm pacers. Bowlers of this style have consistently posed a challenge to India’s top-heavy batting lineup, which features stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Shubman Gill.
Southee examines India’s issues against left-arm bowlers
In light of this concern, New Zealand’s Tim Southee recently shared his insights regarding India’s readiness to face formidable left-arm seamers, including the likes of Shaheen Afridi and Trent Boult. Speaking at an awards function in Mumbai, Southee expressed confidence that Team India’s world-class batters would have well-thought-out strategies to counter the threat posed by left-arm pacers during the upcoming Asia Cup and the quadrennial event in October-Novemeber.
“I don’t know what it is, but it was always handy to have a left-armer — something probably people don’t face a lot of. Those two guys that you mentioned, Shaheen Shah and Trent Boult, are quality bowlers and have caused a lot of players headaches over the years,” Southee was quoted as saying by PTI.
“I do not think it is too much of an issue. I’m sure the Indian players — world-class players — will have solid game plans to whoever bowler they come up against,” the kiwi bowler added
Furthermore, he believes that the Asia Cup will serve as valuable preparation for the Men in Blue as they gear up for the World Cup.
“I guess ideally you want to play as much as you can together and to lead into a World Cup. But I think you look at the Asia Cup, and what better place to have your team together around that? “I’d imagine that is going to be a big part of the Indian team’s preparation at the Asia Cup,” Southee concluded.
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