As the Asian Games 2023 beckons, both the men's and women's cricket teams of India are gearing up for the esteemed event scheduled in Hangzhou, China, from 19 September to 8 October. Ruturaj Gaikwad has been entrusted with leading the men's side, given that the senior squad will be engrossed in World Cup commitments, while the women's team finds its captain in Harmanpreet Kaur. However, a two-match ban means Harmanpreet won't be donning the blue jersey for India's first two encounters. The preparation for the men's squad has hit a snag with alarming news about their frontline pacer, Shivam Mavi.
Shivam Mavi's Injury Cloud
The budding star of Indian cricket, Shivam Mavi, with six T20s under his belt for the national side, faces a concerning injury. Consequently, his participation in the Asian Games 2023 remains under a cloud. The gravity of Mavi's injury is still under wraps, but an official announcement regarding his possible replacement by the BCCI is imminent.
Umran Malik Stepping In
Reports suggest that Umran Malik is primed to be the likely candidate to step into Mavi's shoes. Initially, Yash Thakur from Lucknow Super Giants was eyed for the role, but the Vidarbha speedster's back injury ruled him out.
Coaching staff for Asian Games 2023
Renowned cricketers VVS Laxman and Hrishikesh Kanitkar have been given the mantle of head coaches for the men's and women's contingents, respectively. The men's team's bowling department will be spearheaded by Sairaj Bahutule while fielding drills will be overseen by Munish Bali. On the women's side, Rajib Dutta and Shubhadeep Ghosh have been appointed as bowling and fielding coaches, respectively.
Journey to the Podium
Both teams have secured spots in the quarterfinals of the Asian Games 2023. The men's team will compete in their quarterfinal clash on 3 October, with potential semi-finals on 5 October, provided they progress. The grand finale is set for 7 October. Meanwhile, the women's side will begin their knockout campaign on 21 September, with the semi-finals on 23 September and the final on 25 September.
Indian men's team: Ruturaj Gaikwad (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rahul Tripathi, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Washington Sundar, Shahbaz Ahmed, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Mukesh Kumar, Shivam Mavi, Shivam Dube, Prabhsimran Singh (wicketkeeper)
MORE ON SPORTS TAK
Asia Cup 2023: If Pakistan-Sri Lanka match is washed out, who will make the final against India?
Asia Cup 2023: Ravindra Jadeja downs Irfan Pathan to top special records list for bowlers
