Sanjay Bangar, the former batting coach of the Indian cricket team, has affirmed that India will maintain their existing lineup for the final Super 4s clash against Bangladesh on September 15, Friday, in the Asia Cup 2023. The Indian team has showcased remarkable performances throughout the tournament, securing their spot in the final with a thrilling 41-run victory over Sri Lanka, breaking Sri Lanka’s 13-match winning streak.
In their triumph at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, India’s opening combination, both with the bat and ball, proved pivotal on a dry pitch. Rohit Sharma, leading the Indian team, played a pivotal role, along with Shubman Gill, in forging an 80-run partnership. The exceptional bowling of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj also played a significant part in the victory.
Previously in the competition, India achieved a massive 228-run victory over Pakistan, propelling them to the top of the points table with the best net run rate (NRR). India also secured comprehensive victories against Nepal and arch-rivals Pakistan.
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Several players have shone in India’s journey to the final, with Rohit Sharma emerging as the top scorer with 194 runs in four innings. Kuldeep Yadav, the left-arm wrist spinner, leads the tournament’s wicket-takers with nine scalps from four matches, including a five-wicket haul against Pakistan. The return of Jasprit Bumrah to ODI cricket has been impressive, while all-rounder Hardik Pandya has excelled with the ball.
Although India could rest key players for the Bangladesh clash as it is essentially a dead rubber, Sanjay Bangar anticipates that India will field a formidable lineup to maintain their momentum. Bangar emphasized that the bowlers haven’t been overly exerted, and he doesn’t foresee significant changes in the squad.
Sanjay Bangar stated, “Rohit Sharma will definitely play. Shubman Gill is a youngster, so he will play. Virat Kohli likes this ground a lot, so you can’t ask Virat Kohli to sit out on this ground. The players at No. 4 and No. 5 are trying to cement their places and will want to play.”‘
Regarding the workload of the bowlers, Bangar noted, “The bowlers didn’t need to do too much work… There is always a slight question mark on the fast bowlers in terms of workload management, but considering the sort of combination that has been created, with three spinners and three fast bowlers, and that the batters are in rhythm, there is very little chance for us to see any different player.”
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Bangar believes that continuity will benefit the team, saying, “It will be better if they play with the same players. Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma will not want the players’ rhythm to break.”
India’s opponent in the final will be determined by the outcome of the match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, scheduled for Thursday.
