'You should play him': Ex-India opener vouches for Siraj over Shardul, Krishna in 2023 WC

Ahead of the ODI World Cup 2023, the Indian cricket team will be testing all its resources in the Asia Cup 2023. The Indian team selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, announced the squad for the multi-nation Asian tournament on August 21, 2023. Rohit Sharma will lead Team India in the Asia Cup, whereas Yuzvendra Chahal has been snubbed off from the team. 

3 things you need to know 

• KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer have made their comeback to the Indian squad for the Asia Cup 2023 
• Asia Cup 2023 begins on August 30, 2023 
• Pakistan and Nepal will take on each other in the first match of the multi-national Asian tournament 

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Aakash Chopra wants Siraj to play over Shardul, Prasidh Krishna in ODI World Cup 

(Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj during the IND vs AUS 2023 ODI series / Image: AP) 

The Asia Cup 2023 will also begin the countdown for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023, starting on October 5, 2023. India, who are also the hosts of the tournament, will start their campaign against Australia on October 8, 2023. Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has backed pacer Mohammed Siraj and wants the management to play him ahead of Shardul Thakur and Prasidh Krishna in the ODI World Cup 2023. Aakash Chopra said while speaking on his YouTube channel: 

Mohammed Siraj is brilliant. He has had a short career. 43 wickets in 24 matches at an average of 20.7 and an economy rate of 4.78. They are better than both Bumrah's and Shami's numbers. In Asia, his average becomes 16.57 and economy rate is 4.51. 

His numbers in Asia are better than his numbers outside Asia. So, people who were talking about whether Shardul Thakur or Prasidh Krishna can be played instead of Siraj, you cannot play anyone. You will have to play Siraj only. You should play him. 

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Asia Cup squad to be the probable squad for ODI World Cup 2023 

The probable squad for the ODI World Cup 2023 will certainly depend on the players selected for the Asia Cup 2023. The Indian team has not won an ICC tournament in the last ten years. As the ODI World Cup has come back after a gap of 12 years, Team India will aim to repeat the 2011 ODI World Cup heroics in 2023.