Former Indian all-rounder Madan Lal has tipped India to win the upcoming Asia Cup. In the previous Asia Cup 2022, India could not make it to the final of the tournament after suffering losses against Sri Lanka and Pakistan in the Super Four stage.
Ergo, India will be looking to turn the tables in the Asia Cup ahead of the all-important World Cup. Meanwhile, India is the most successful side in the Asia Cup history with six titles.
Lal, who was part of the 1983 World Cup-winning team, has backed India to win the upcoming continental cup but feels the Rohit Sharma-led team will not be favorites for the ODI World Cup as every team has a chance of going all the way.
Speaking to Hindustan Times, Madan Lal said, “I am sure that they will win the Asia Cup but in World Cup any six teams – Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa… are the 6 top teams. Everybody has a chance. We are playing at home so there is this advantage. But at the same time, it could turn into a disadvantage as well because of pressure. Thankfully, they all are experienced players and know how to handle pressure.”
Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul have been added to the Asia Cup squad. While Iyer has regained full fitness, Rahul is carrying a niggle and thus Sanju Samson has been added to the squad as a backup. Lal added he is concerned about the fitness levels of the middle-order batters.
“My concern will be the fitness levels and nothing else. They are experienced, they have the exposure. Definitely, if they could have played a couple of games, it could have been better in terms of confidence. They could have felt being part of the game and it would have reassured them that they are injury-free,” Madan Lal said.
India will begin their Asia Cup campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele on September 2.
