5 teams from across the Indian subcontinent will battle it out in a 50-over game to vie for the supremacy of being the numero uno champion of Asia.
5 teams from across the Indian subcontinent will battle it out in a 50-over game to vie for the supremacy of being the numero uno champion of Asia. Even though many key players will be missing this tourney, there will be some who would want to impress and cement their spot in the national squad. Here are the players who could impress in the forthcoming Asia Cup:
Kusal Perera (Sri Lanka)
With Tillakaratne Dilshan absent from the national team, southpaw Kusal Perera could take the onus of being the ‘pinch hitter’ batsman for his side. Kusal who can keep wickets too, recently scored a ton (106) against Bangladesh in the 3rd ODI and would be in high spirits going into the Asia Cup. In 22 ODIs, he has scored only 467 runs at an average of 27.47 and would like to better that going into the tourney.
Dinesh Karthik (India)
With MS Dhoni injured, Dinesh Karthik comes in to replace the injured wicket-keeper batsman. Karthik who was last seen donning the Indian ODI colours in Zimbabwe, would love to take this opportunity with both hands. With the Indian top-order struggling for runs, Karthik’s availability could reignite some zeal in the likes of Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma.
Fawad Alam (Pakistan)
Pakistan team may go into this tournament as ‘underdogs’ but if they play to their potential, the title could be theirs. Enter, Fawad Alam, who too was last seen in Pakistani colours in 2010, returns to the ODI scenario again. Alam who hasn’t fulfilled his capabilities as a ODI batsman, will get to revive them as he bids to retain the Asia Cup title from their rivals.
Mashrafe Mortaza (Bangladesh)
One must be wondering why Mashrafe Mortaza? Well, the 30-year bowler is not in the best of form going into the 5-nation tournament. Poor form has hit him hard and it won’t be long if the selectors and the team management decide to bench the experienced bowler. Mortaza needs to pull up his socks in this tournament and no better way than against the likes of India and Pakistan.
Asia Cup 2014 presents a wonderful opportunity for these players to announce themselves on the scene. The tournament will be a tough nut to crack but if the above names would click; their respective countries and the boards will be heaving a sigh of relief! (just too picking them)
