The Indian men’s and women’s cricket teams are all set to compete at the Asian Games 2023, which will be held in the Chinese city of Hangzhou from September 19 to October 8. All the matches will be played in T20I format. While the men’s squad will be led by Ruturaj Gaikwad due to the absence of all first-choice players due to the ODI World Cup 2023, the women’s team will be led by Harmanpreet Kaur.
Men in Blue will take on the field on October 3 for their last eight matches, but ahead of that team India has suffered a big blow as young pacer Shivam Mavi picked up an injury a few days ago and is all set to miss the continental games. The extent of Mavi’s injury is yet to be determined. The 24-year-old right-arm pacer is likely to be replaced by Umran Malik in the squad.
Although no official statement has been made, the report stated that selectors first wanted Yash Thakur, who was kept on standby, to replace the injured bowler. However, Thakur has also injured his back, which brings Umran into the scene. Due to the severe constraints imposed on the Indian contingent at the Asian Games village, no reserve players will travel with the squad.
The squad will meet in Bangalore for a brief two-week training camp before departing for the continental event. VVS Laxman will be the head coach, with Sariaj Bahutule as the bowling coach and Munish Bali as the fielding coach accompanying him.
