Sehwag predicts India’s game-changers for Asia Cup

Batting legend Virender Sehwag thinks that India have the squad and quality to win the next month’s Asia Cup to be held in the UAE. India’s 15-man squad, led by Suryakumar Yadav, will face UAE on September

10 to kickstart their campaign in the continental tournament.

Sehwag has picked two players who he thinks could be the game-changers for India alongside pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah who will be playing a T20I for the first time since the final of the world cup last year.

Sehwag says rising star Abhishek Sharma, who has made a name for his explosive batting at the top of the order and wily spinner Varun Chakaravarthy who played a key role in India’s title winning campaign at the Champions Trophy earlier this year, can win matches on their own.

“I think Abhishek Sharma can be a game-changer. Bumrah is always a game-changer. Varun Chakravarthy, with his mystery bowling, was very effective in the Champions Trophy and in the T20 format as well. So, these are some game changers for India who can win matches on their own,” Sehwag said on Sony Sports.

Bumrah played a starring role in India’s title-winning run in last year’s T20 World Cup. He took 15 wickets during the tournament.  In 70 T20Is, he has 89 wickets at an average of 17.74.

On the other hand, Abhishek has become a key member of India’s T20I squad. In 17 matches, the youngster has blasted 535 runs at a monstrous strike rate of 193.84. He has two centuries and as many fifties to his name. His 135 against England is the highest individual score by an Indian batter in T20Is.

Chakaravarthy has polished his skills to roar back into India’s white-ball squads. In 15 T20Is, he has grabbed 33 wickets and consistently troubles batters. He will be among India’s top wicket-taking options during the tournament.

India are in Group A alongside UAE, Pakistan and Oman. They face UAE in their opening match before squaring off against Pakistan on September 14. They will conclude their group-stage campaign against Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.