With less than two months time left in the 2023 ODI World Cup, India announced their 17-man squad for the Asia Cup starting later this month. Despite the return of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, there are doubts still hovering around the team's middle order with the addition of Tilak Varma into the mix alongside Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav. In his address post the squad announcement, skipper Rohit Sharma made it clear that players needed to be prepared for a flexible-looking middle order. What did he mean by flexibility? “I will make you understand! Flexibility is required, doesn’t mean send opener at no. 7. Or send Hardik Pandya as opener. In the last four-five years, Kohli has batted at No.3. The new guys at no. 4, no. 5 players need to be flexible. Even in my career.we all have done that. That’s the flexibility I am talking about. Not making opener down, woh pagalpanti nahi karte (We don't do that madness)," Sharma said in the press conference on Monday. When asked to comment specifically on the team's number four batting conundrum, Rohit smiled before saying "We have guys who can bat at No.4. It’s not one position … There have been challenges, guys who have been put under pressure, unfortunately because of injuries, we have had to try others. We tried Axar at No.4 being a left-hander, go, bat freely." Updating on Rahul and Iyer - who have been recovering from thigh and back injuries respectively - chief selector Ajit Agarkar clarified that while the latter has been declared match fit, Sanju Samson has been added as a stand by owing to Rahul sustaining a niggle. "We are hopeful that KL (Rahul) will be okay by the time we will be playing our first match," he'd add. On all-rounders and part timers In terms of multi-role players in the side, India boasted three designated all-rounders: newly appointed vice captain Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. Shardul Thakur, who has also been handy with the bat, was also included in the 17 member squad. Commenting on the all-rounders present in his squad, Sharma said, "Aap k pass jo hain, usi sey kaam chalana padega! (We can only do the job with those available)." He made a reference to 2011 team which had the luxury of lots of all rounders. The gem in the reply came when he referenced himself in third person. "We can’t create batters who will bowl overnight. Hopefully Sharma and Kohli will roll their arms," he'd say. To which Agarkar added, "I have convinced both of them to chip in." Don't believe in tags, Pakistan not the only focus Even though India facing Pakistan may be the most anticipated game in the upcoming Asia Cup, the Indian captain was clear that they aren't his only focus. "It’s just not Pakistan; Sri Lanka won the Asia cup last time. Other good teams will challenge us. Not just one team, we have to prepare for all," he said. Furthermore, commenting on India's advantage in the upcoming World Cup, "I don’t believe in underdogs and favorites tags. You have to play well to win. All the teams will be here to win and play hard. Playing at home just gives you a little bit of advantage but at the same time so many overseas cricketers play in India now a days."
