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As the drama of the Asia Cup 2023 unfolds, every move is being closely watched and analysed. Among the keen spectators during the Super Four clash between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh were two key figures from the Indian cricket management – head coach Rahul Dravid and the BCCI's chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar. Their attendance hints at the importance of understanding the tactics and strategies of potential opponents as India braces for crucial upcoming matches.
India's cricket calendar in the Asia Cup is packed, with a high-tension game against arch-rivals Pakistan on September 10, Sunday. This will be followed by matches against Sri Lanka on September 12 and Bangladesh on September 15. The climax of the tournament will see the top two teams from the Super Four stage locking horns in the grand finale on September 17.
Pictures circulating on X (formerly known as Twitter) offer a glimpse into the meticulous preparation and analysis that goes behind the scenes. In one image, Dravid, known for his acute cricketing acumen, is seen engrossed in the Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh game, likely deciphering plays and strategies. Another snapshot captures Agarkar, seated ahead of Dravid, equally immersed in the game. Their joint presence underscores the combined expertise and experience they bring to the table.
However, India's journey in this edition of the Asia Cup hasn't been as smooth as the team and fans would have hoped for. To ensure they clinch a spot in the finals and potentially lift the Asia Cup 2023 trophy, the insights and feedback from Dravid and Agarkar, especially from the games they are observing, will be pivotal.
Given their deep understanding of the game, and the nuances they can derive from watching these matches live, it will be intriguing to see how their observations translate into tactics for Team India in the upcoming matches. As the competition intensifies, the strategic moves made off the field by such legends could very well determine the outcome on the field.
Alongside focusing on the team goals, the Indian management will want to assemble the best possible 11 in the park against Pakistan, whom the Rohit Sharma-led outfit is facing for the second time in the event. But for that, they need to find answers for the aforementioned puzzle, and hope that rains will stay away despite adding a controversial reserve day to the match on Monday.
The return of KL Rahul to the squad has widened the pool of players to select from, but that has also given them a happy headache.
Kishan has impressed everyone in the last month or so, smashing four fifties in as many matches – three against the West Indies and one against Pakistan in the Asia Cup Group A match at Pallekele last week.
Of course, Rohit and other Indian batters will be wary of the high-paced incoming deliveries of Shaheen Shah Afridi, but the Pakistan bowling unit has other equally explosive performers. Haris Rauf, with his express pace, is currently topping the Asia Cup bowling chart with 9 wickets from three matches, and seemed to have emerged from the shadows of Afridi (7 wickets). While Naseem Shah also has taken 7 wickets, ensuring no let off point for opposition batters.
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