Will Sanju make the cut for Asia Cup? Malayali cricketer expected to be considered for wicketkeeper spot

MUMBAI: The Indian cricket team for the Asia Cup will be announced in the third week of this month. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see who will make it to the team this time. Malayali cricketer Sanju Samson is expected to retain his place as wicketkeeper.

With Rishabh Pant still recovering from injury and Ishan Kishan’s poor IPL performance, Sanju’s chances look stronger. Reports suggest that Jitesh Sharma, who shone for RCB in the IPL, may be included as the second wicketkeeper. Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, and Abhishek Sharma are likely to be considered as openers.

Skipper Suryakumar Yadav is set to play a key role in the middle order. If Sanju bats at No. 3, Surya will bat at No. 4. Fans are also hopeful for Shreyas Iyer's return to the Indian T20 squad.

Iyer had an impressive IPL season as Punjab Kings’ captain and batsman, scoring 604 runs in 17 matches. There is uncertainty over whether Rinku Singh will remain in the team if Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, and Axar Patel make a comeback, especially after Rinku’s below-par performances in the IPL and other matches.

If Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored 559 runs in the IPL, returns to the Asia Cup squad, Sanju might be moved to the middle order. However, fans are curious whether Sanju will be removed from the opening spot after scoring three centuries against Bangladesh and South Africa.

If Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are rested, Arshdeep Singh is expected to lead the pace attack. Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav are likely to lead the spin department. The Asia Cup begins in the UAE on September 9, with India’s first match against the UAE on September 10.