Team India secured a place in the Asia Cup 2023 final with an impressive performance earlier this week, defeating Sri Lanka in a thrilling encounter. After being restricted to a modest total of 213 while batting first, India staged a remarkable comeback by dismissing the hosts for just 172. Kuldeep Yadav, who has been the standout performer for India in the ongoing tournament, played a pivotal role in this victory by taking crucial wickets.
Earlier, in the game against Pakistan, he picked up an impressive five-wicket haul, including the scalps of Fakhar Zaman and Shadab Khan.
Kuldeep’s exceptional form has been evident since India’s return to the ODI format following the Indian Premier League (IPL). He stood out as the team’s leading bowler during the three-match series against the West Indies and made significant contributions in the T20Is in the Caribbean. His consistent performances earned him a spot in India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming ODI World Cup, a testament to his value in the team’s plans.
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The Indian team management gives Kuldeep Yadav a break for the dead rubber
However, with the Asia Cup final on the horizon and a focus on the players’ physical condition, head coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma opted to rest Kuldeep for the Bangladesh encounter, which happens to be the dead for the Men in Blue.
The decision to field first was made by Rohit at the toss, providing his team opportunity to adapt to the conditions under lights.
“We are gonna field first. It is something we haven’t done in the tournament, we haven’t done it under lights so it gives us an opportunity to bat under lights. The wicket honestly has got everything for everyone. Pacers who bend their back in the daytime have also got movement and there have been assistance for the spinners. Got to be brave and play your natural game. We got to give game time to some other guys who haven’t played. We have made five changes, Tilak makes his debut. Shami and Prasidh also come in. Suryakumar also gets a game,” Rohit said at the toss.
