Former Indian batting coach Abhishek Nayar has picked India’s strongest XI for the upcoming Asia Cup. There was no place for Arshdeep Singh in Nayar’s playing XI. India’s squad for the continental tournament was announced on Tuesday by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel in Mumbai.

Interestingly, Jasprit Bumrah is the solitary frontline seamer in Nayar’s team. Furthermore, Nayar ignored Sanju Samson and feels vice-captain Shubman Gill will open the innings with Abhishek Sharma. 

Tilak Varma bats at one drop for the former Mumbai cricketer whereas skipper Suryakumar Yadav takes the fourth position in the batting order. Nayar backed Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya to bat at number five.

Jitesh Sharma has been backed as the wicket-keeper bat by Nayar. The former Indian batter has included three spinners – Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy and also named all-rounder Shivam Dube in his team. 

On the other hand, former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra picked the same team as Nayar, barring one change. The renowned commentator included Arshdeep Singh in place of Kuldeep Yadav.

India Squad for Asia Cup: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.

Abhishek Nayar’s strongest XI while speaking to ESPN Cricinfo: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Jitesh Sharma, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.

Aakash Chopra strongest XI: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Jitesh Sharma, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.