With India and Pakistan already booked for the Asia Cup final, tonight’s clash against Sri Lanka is a dead rubber. It’s the perfect opportunity for India to try out whatever they want before putting a stop to experimentation ahead of the final. So far in the tournament, India have taken different approaches in every game.
For example, the batting lineup has been rejigged according to the situation. In the last game against Bangladesh, Shivam Dube was sent at No. 3, ahead of skipper Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson, who did not even get to bat in the game. In the match against the UAE, the order was flipped again to ensure batters lower down got some game time. While Samson came in at No. 3, Surya did not even come out to bat, with the likes of Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana and Kuldeep Yadav getting a chance ahead of the captain.
The big question is whether the Indian management should continue tinkering or give the regular batting lineup a proper hit before the final. Suryakumar’s form remains a concern. In this Asia Cup, he has scored just 59 runs in four innings, 47 of those coming in a single knock against Pakistan in the group stage. Following the T20 World Cup, the Indian skipper has averaged only 19 in the 20 matches that he has played.
Tonight’s game can also serve as a preparatory outing ahead of the final. One of India’s biggest worries is their catching. Although unbeaten so far, they have dropped 12 catches in the tournament, including four in the last fixture against Bangladesh. So far, these lapses have not proved costly, but in a high-pressure final, such mistakes could change the game.
There is also speculation around Jasprit Bumrah’s workload and whether he will be rested. However, Ryan ten Doeschate, the assistant coach, made it clear in the pre-match press conference ahead of the Bangladesh game that Bumrah will play all matches in the Asia Cup. The management believes these outings are ideal preparation for the upcoming home Test series against the West Indies.
While the clash may be a dead rubber, tonight’s game will carry meaning for the Indian team. Off-field tensions are high between India and Pakistan, and India will want to head into the final with as much momentum as possible.
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