The Asia Cup 2023 is right around the corner; the marquee tournament is all set to begin on August 30, and will be co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Ahead of the tournament, it is a given that Rohit Sharma-led India are one of the biggest favourites to win the title.
Furthermore, the team has received a major boost in recent weeks as star pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna recently returned from injury and will be competing in the tournament. Team India will begin its Asia Cup 2023 campaign by taking on Pakistan, on September 2, in Kandy.
Speaking of the same, team India’s head coach Rahul Dravid came forward to reveal the side’s plan on how they will be easing Bumrah into their squad slowly at first. Dravid opined that the recently concluded series against Ireland was a good start for Bumrah, and now they have an entire month to ease Bumrah into the lineup ahead of the ODI World Cup 2023.
"It's great to have them (Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna) back and see them bowling well. Jasprit is someone we have missed a lot in the past two years he hasn't played much. We will ease him into it slowly. Ireland was a good opportunity to ease him in. Now we have a whole month to build that up before the World Cup. The duo's return gives us more options in the pace bowling department," Dravid was quoted as saying by NDTV.
The home advantage at sub-continent has reduced to a large extent: Dravid
Furthermore, Rahul Dravid also highlighted that the home advantage for sub-continent teams has significantly reduced in the past few years with the players playing many domestic tournaments across the globe.
"The whole thing of home advantage at sub-continent has reduced to a large extent over the past 10-12 years. People come and play here so much, especially tournaments like the IPL. They are here for two-three months getting used to conditions. It will be a tight tournament," Dravid concluded.
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