This story is from September 17, 2023
The Indian team will be firm favourites to end its 5-year trophy draught in multi-nation events, when it squares off against a depleted Sri Lanka in the final of the Asia Cup.
A glance at India's trophy cabinet will reveal the uncomfortable truth of them not winning any titles in the last five years, and Sunday will be a good opportunity for them to snap that unhappy streak.
Not to forget a win before getting into the World Cup mode will be the ideal boost for a side which hasn't yet fully ticked all boxes but is showing way more solidity than one would have thought a few months back.
India's last title, across the three formats, came in 2018 when the Rohit's side beat Bangladesh in the Asia Cup by 3 wickets in Dubai. Since that victory, India's inability to master crunch matches and occasions has been startling.
India reached semifinals of the 50-over World Cup in 2019 and the T20 World Cup in 2022, besides losing against New Zealand and Australia in the WTC finals in 2019 and 2023 respectively.
India will believe that they have a brilliant chance to add a trophy to their glittering collection come Sunday. India are certain to recall the five players who were rested in the Bangladesh clash.
The return of Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya for the summit clash will certainly add meat to their batting unit, which struggled against the array of Bangladesh spinners.
Washington Sundar has been called up as a cover for the injured Axar Patel. The all-rounder sustained several injuries during India's six-run loss to Bangladesh on Friday.
A victory here in the Asia Cup will boost their confidence ahead of the quadrennial big bash next month, as they also seek to end a 10-year-long ICC trophy drought.
The Indian team will be firm favourites to end its 5-year trophy draught in multi-nation events, when it squares off against a depleted Sri Lanka in the final of the Asia Cup.
A glance at India's trophy cabinet will reveal the uncomfortable truth of them not winning any titles in the last five years, and Sunday will be a good opportunity for them to snap that unhappy streak.
Not to forget a win before getting into the World Cup mode will be the ideal boost for a side which hasn't yet fully ticked all boxes but is showing way more solidity than one would have thought a few months back.
India's last title, across the three formats, came in 2018 when the Rohit's side beat Bangladesh in the Asia Cup by 3 wickets in Dubai. Since that victory, India's inability to master crunch matches and occasions has been startling.
India reached semifinals of the 50-over World Cup in 2019 and the T20 World Cup in 2022, besides losing against New Zealand and Australia in the WTC finals in 2019 and 2023 respectively.
India will believe that they have a brilliant chance to add a trophy to their glittering collection come Sunday. India are certain to recall the five players who were rested in the Bangladesh clash.
The return of Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya for the summit clash will certainly add meat to their batting unit, which struggled against the array of Bangladesh spinners.
Washington Sundar has been called up as a cover for the injured Axar Patel. The all-rounder sustained several injuries during India's six-run loss to Bangladesh on Friday.
A victory here in the Asia Cup will boost their confidence ahead of the quadrennial big bash next month, as they also seek to end a 10-year-long ICC trophy drought.
The Indian team will be firm favourites to end its 5-year trophy draught in multi-nation events, when it squares off against a depleted Sri Lanka in the final of the Asia Cup.
A glance at India's trophy cabinet will reveal the uncomfortable truth of them not winning any titles in the last five years, and Sunday will be a good opportunity for them to snap that unhappy streak.
Not to forget a win before getting into the World Cup mode will be the ideal boost for a side which hasn't yet fully ticked all boxes but is showing way more solidity than one would have thought a few months back.
India's last title, across the three formats, came in 2018 when the Rohit's side beat Bangladesh in the Asia Cup by 3 wickets in Dubai. Since that victory, India's inability to master crunch matches and occasions has been startling.
India reached semifinals of the 50-over World Cup in 2019 and the T20 World Cup in 2022, besides losing against New Zealand and Australia in the WTC finals in 2019 and 2023 respectively.
India will believe that they have a brilliant chance to add a trophy to their glittering collection come Sunday. India are certain to recall the five players who were rested in the Bangladesh clash.
The return of Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya for the summit clash will certainly add meat to their batting unit, which struggled against the array of Bangladesh spinners.
Washington Sundar has been called up as a cover for the injured Axar Patel. The all-rounder sustained several injuries during India's six-run loss to Bangladesh on Friday.
A victory here in the Asia Cup will boost their confidence ahead of the quadrennial big bash next month, as they also seek to end a 10-year-long ICC trophy drought.