'I'll Keep Sanju Samson On Standby': Ravi Shastri Weighs In On Team India Selection Strategy Ahead Of Asia Cup 2023

Ravi Shastri reckoned that the team could go in with two more all-rounders other than the Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja and continue to have faith in Sanju Samson as the backup wicketkeeper.

Ahead of the Asia Cup which will be played in the ODI format this year and follows a hybrid model, former India head coach Ravi Shastri has weighed in on what could be Team India's selection strategy.

The countdown to the two big marquee events for Team India in their cricket calendar this year has started. First up is the battle for continental supremacy with the Asia Cup 2023 set to begin later this month after which the other big tournament will be the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023. Ahead of the Asia Cup which will be played in the ODI format this year and follows a hybrid model, former India head coach Ravi Shastri has weighed in on what could be Team India's selection strategy.

Shastri reckoned that the team could go in with two more all-rounders other than the Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja and continue to have faith in Sanju Samson as the backup wicketkeeper.

"I think to be fair, I will go with both the all-rounders - Axar and Shardul, it gives me an opportunity. And keep Sanju Samson on standby in case something happens to the keeper there, where he can just fly out," Shastri said while speaking to Star Sports on the ‘Selection Day’ show.

"I think to be fair, I will go with both the all-rounders - Axar and Shardul, it gives me an opportunity. And keep Sanju Samson on standby in case something happens to the keeper there, where he can just fly out," he added.

Sandeep Patil, who was also there on the show, seemed in agreemed with Shastri. The former chief selector said:  "I will go with what Ravi said because I want to remember 1983. The combination we had, we had many all-rounders in the team, and having all-rounders in the team gives you so much variety, and you can choose anybody."

India will begin their Asia Cup 2023 camapaign against Pakistan on September 2 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. The arch-rivals can lock horns in two more matches of Asia Cup. If they qualify for Super Fours then they will play in Colombo on September 10 and if both make it to the finals, it will be an IND vs PAK affair on September 17 at the same venue.