'Done the right thing': Sourav Ganguly on star player's snub from India's Asia Cup squad

Within a week, India will begin their Asia Cup 2023 campaign. On September 2, the Men in Blue will open their tournament with a match against Pakistan. Team India will then face Nepal to conclude their group matches in the Asia Cup 2023 before the ICC One-Day International World Cup tournament in October.

3 things you need to know 

• Team India was defeated by the West Indies in the T20I series, 3-2
• Team India defeated Ireland in the T20I series by a score of 2-0
• Jasprit Bumrah was named the Player of the Series against Ireland

Also Read: Virat Kohli Shows His Ripped Physique Ahead Of Asia Cup 2023, Scores 17.2 In Yo-Yo Test

Sourav Ganguly makes a huge statement ahead of the India vs Pakistan match 

Team India will play their first Asia Cup match against Pakistan, and the former Indian team captain was asked by the media which team was his favourite. The former BCCI president gave a smart reply to avoid any controversies before the big clash between the Asian Giants. Talking to the reporters, Sourav Ganguly stated:

Speaking about my favorite is very tough; both the teams are very good; Pakistan is also a good team, and India is a very good team. Whoever plays well will win. I don’t have any favorites.

What did Sourav Ganguly say about Jasprit Bumrah’s return and Chahal’s exclusion from the Asia Cup squad?

A special comeback! 💪#TeamIndia Captain @Jaspritbumrah93 led from the front with the ball & he receives the Player of the Series award 👏👏

India win the series 2⃣-0⃣ #IREvIND pic.twitter.com/iS6NxKvy0Z

— BCCI (@BCCI) August 23, 2023

After these statements, the reporters went on to ask about Jasprit Bumrah’s return to the Indian squad. The bowling star recently returned to the Indian squad after a major back injury. Bumrah led India in the Ireland series, which they won 2-0, and he was named the Player of the Series. Talking to the reporters, he further added:

Bumrah is good, He started from T20Is (vs Ireland) and now will play in 50 overs (in Asia Cup), So with time his fitness will get better. 

On the exclusion of Yuzvendra Chahal, the former captain stated:

You can only have three spinners and I think they have done the right thing by picking Axar (Patel), he can bat.

Ganguly indicates the reason why Axar Patel is a better choice for the Asia Cup, claiming that Axar can contribute with both the bat and the ball. This methodical approach backs up Ganguly's confidence that the side will perform well not only in the Asia Cup but also in the World Cup in 2023.

 Also Read: 'He understands Int'l game': Former selector hails Rinku Singh as find of the Ireland T20s

What is India’s squad for the Asia Cup 2023?

India's squad for the Asia Cup 2023: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya (VC), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.

Travelling standby player: Sanju Samson