Ace Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj has returned to India after being rested for the ODI series against West Indies. In the absence of the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Shami, Siraj has been the backbone of the Indian pace attack. Now, Siraj will eye to make his return to the white-ball format at the Asia Cup 2023.
Siraj eyes Asia Cup 2023 comeback
Coming off a stellar performance against the West Indies in the Tests, BCCI has rested Siraj for the ODIs. The pacer flew back to India along with the other Test returnees. With the World Cup approaching, BCCI is taking all measures to ensure India field their best side in the marquee tournament.
Siraj was rested from the ODI series by the BCCI reportedly due to workload management. The pacer from Hyderabad holds the record for picking 43 wickets in ODIs since 2022 – the most by an Indian bowler. Undoubtedly, Siraj will play a crucial role for India at the Asia Cup 2023 and the World Cup after that.
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Siraj’s ODI record
Having made his debut for India in ODIs in 2019 against Australia, Siraj has been a go-to choice for the selectors since. In 24 games, Siraj has picked up 43 wickets at an economy rate of 4.78. Siraj’s last ODI game for India was against Australia in Chennai in March 2023.
Asia Cup 2023
Asia Cup 2023 will be co-hosted by Sri Lanka and Pakistan, with the tournament commencing from August 30. Pakistan, India and Nepal are in Group A while Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka are in Group B. The six group-stage matches will be followed by the Super 4s, beginning September 6.
READ | Mohammed Siraj returns to India after getting rest from West Indies ODI series
India’s Asia Cup Record
A six-time champion of the ODI format in Asia Cup, India will look to add another title to their kitty before the crucial World Cup 2023. Rohit Sharma has already led India to Asia Cup glory and if he can lead India to win again, it will be his second. India are also the defending champion of the ODI format when they beat Bangladesh by 3 wickets in the UAE in 2018.
India Asia Cup Schedule (Group Stage):
India vs Nepal: September 4
India vs Pakistan: September 2
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