Former Indian cricket team opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth has voiced his dissatisfaction with the inclusion of KL Rahul in the squad for Asia Cup 2023. This decision raised eyebrows, especially after chief selector Ajit Agarkar hinted at a recent injury concern surrounding the cricketer. During the press conference following the squad announcement, Agarkar revealed that Rahul might miss the first match of the competition, with Sanju Samson being selected as a backup for this very reason. Srikkanth, however, expressed his belief that Rahul should not have been picked if he wasn’t in optimal physical condition, going as far as to label Agarkar and other decision-makers as ‘confused’ due to this selection.

In a candid statement on his YouTube channel ‘Cheeky Cheeka,’ Srikkanth questioned the selection strategy for Asia Cup 2023. He expressed his bewilderment at the inclusion of numerous medium pacers in the squad. Srikkanth highlighted the uncertainty surrounding players’ fitness and the presence of Rahul with a lingering niggle as a prime example of this confusion. According to him, the selection policy should be straightforward – if a player isn’t fit on the day of selection, they should not be considered.

Srikkanth also raised doubts about the selection of pacer Prasidh Krishna for the Asia Cup. He questioned the basis for Krishna’s inclusion, pointing out that he was chosen based on a few four-over spells bowled in Ireland. Moreover, Srikkanth noted that Krishna hadn’t participated in competitive cricket for over a year, casting doubt on whether this was the right call.

After his remarkable performance that saw him dismantle Sri Lanka for just 50 runs in Colombo, Mohammed Siraj has claimed the top spot in the ICC Men’s ODI Bowling Rankings. His impressive Asia Cup-winning spell of 6-21 catapulted him to No.1, a position he last held in March 2023 before being overtaken by Josh Hazlewood.

Siraj’s stellar performance in the tournament, where he took 10 wickets at an average of 12.2, led to an eight-spot jump in the rankings. He surpassed the likes of Hazlewood, Trent Boult, Rashid Khan, and Mitchell Starc.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan, the Afghan spin duo, also improved their rankings to No.4 and No.5, respectively, in the top 10.

In the Batting Rankings, there were significant advancements. South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen delivered a destructive ODI performance against Australia, scoring 174 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 209.64 in Centurion. This historic performance, where no one has scored more runs in an ODI innings at a higher strike rate, propelled Klaasen 20 places up in the Men’s ODI Batting Rankings, securing the ninth spot.

Dawid Malan was a standout performer in England’s ODI series against New Zealand, emerging as the highest run-scorer with 277 runs at an average of 92.33 and a strike rate of 105.72. Malan, who previously spent 357 days at the No.1 spot in the T20I Batting Rankings, now occupies a career-best 13th place in the ODI Rankings.

Ben Stokes, who made a memorable ODI comeback with a blistering 182 at The Oval, has reached the 36th place in the ODI Batting Rankings.

In a remarkable turn of events, Sri Lanka’s rising star, Dunith Wellalage, left the cricketing world in awe during his spectacular Asia Cup debut. The left-arm spinner, at just 20 years and 246 days old, etched his name in history by securing his maiden 5-wicket haul. With finesse and precision, Wellalage single-handedly dismantled the formidable Indian batting lineup, claiming the prized scalps of Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Hardik Pandya with his exceptional spin magic.

Wellalage’s achievement made him the youngest bowler ever to achieve a five-wicket haul in the ODI format, surpassing the former right-arm pacer Charitha Buddhika’s record set at the age of 21 years and 65 days against Zimbabwe in Sharjah back in 2001. Holding the third position is right-arm fast bowler Thisara Perera, who accomplished the feat against India in Dambulla in 2010 at the age of 21 years and 141 days. Wellalage’s impact was so profound that he even changed his Instagram profile picture to one featuring him with Virat Kohli.

Sri Lanka’s legendary fast bowler, Lasith Malinga, showered praise upon Dunith Wellalage following his mesmerizing performance against India’s high-profile top-order at the Asia Cup. Malinga was quoted as saying, “It is fair to say that SL played with 12 players today. That is how good Dunith was.” He also added, “He has got a brilliant head on his young shoulders to go with his all-round skill set.” Malinga concluded with the belief that Wellalage is destined to become Sri Lanka’s most crucial player in ODIs for the next decade.

As the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India approaches next month, Wellalage is poised to play a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s campaign. His exceptional talent was first showcased when he emerged as the leading wicket-taker at the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup last year, amassing 17 wickets at an impressive average of 13.58. Not only a wizard with the ball, but Wellalage also displayed his prowess with the bat, scoring 264 runs in six matches at an average of 44.00 and a strike rate of 70. His century and half-century contributions made him Sri Lanka’s top run-scorer in the tournament, ranking seventh overall.

Following a disappointing end to the Asia Cup, Bangladesh’s World Cup preparations have been marked by constant adjustments.

The return of Mahmudullah Riyad for the ODI series against New Zealand, the Tigers’ final assignment before the World Cup, has prompted scrutiny of the team management’s initial plans. Riyad had been dropped following his lackluster performance with the bat and questions about his fielding ability.

Despite a notable innings of 77 off 96 balls in the second ODI against India last year, his inconsistent contributions led to his omission from several series, including the Asia Cup, a crucial part of the World Cup preparation.

Afif Hossain, who faced a similar fate after the England series, briefly reclaimed his spot during the Afghanistan series but was dropped again after the Asia Cup. Both Riyad and Afif seemed to compete for the same role, making the decision to reinstate Riyad just before the World Cup perplexing.

The team’s mantra of playing fearless cricket and backing players appeared at odds with Afif’s quick exclusion after a couple of subpar performances in the Asia Cup. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) cited rest and the need to explore alternative options as the reasons for their selection choices.

Riyad and Soumya Sarkar have a significant opportunity in the New Zealand series, as the board debates the balance between youth and experience in the squad. Despite earlier skepticism, their strong performances could earn them World Cup spots.

India’s emphatic 10-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final is being hailed as a confidence booster ahead of the one-day World Cup, set to begin in two weeks on home soil.

In a remarkable display of skill, pace bowler Mohammed Siraj clinched four wickets in a single over, contributing significantly to Sri Lanka’s collapse for a mere 50 runs on Sunday. India’s openers, Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill, effortlessly chased down the target in just 6.1 overs.

This win marked India’s eighth Asia Cup triumph and their first major tournament victory since claiming the same competition in 2018. “Siraj’s dream spell ended India’s five-year title drought,” noted The Times of India.

The India Express described the victory as a “Booster shot before World Cup” and praised the team’s “clinical and ruthless” performance. It also highlighted how this triumph has bolstered India’s morale just in time for the mega-event beginning on October 5.

In Colombo, where the final unfolded, the mood was somber. The daily FT newspaper ran a headline that read, “Abject surrender of Asia Cup by Sri Lanka.” The Sri Lankan team was bowled out in a mere 15.2 overs, and fans were left disheartened and frustrated.

Some fans shared their dismay on social media, with one fan noting that Sri Lanka had been dismissed even before they could settle into their seats at the 35,000-capacity Premadasa stadium. Another likened the duration of the Sri Lankan innings to the time it takes to consume a bottle of arak, the island nation’s signature fermented coconut or sugarcane spirit.

Team India celebrated their triumphant return home, securing their eighth Asia Cup title in style with a commanding 10-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the final showdown at Colombo. In a match where speedster Mohammed Siraj unleashed a fiery spell, it was the opening partnership of Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan that paved the way for India’s eighth Asia Cup conquest. With the match wrapped up in under three hours, the players touched down in India early Monday morning. Now, they are set for a well-deserved rest before their final assignment leading up to the ICC Cricket World Cup in October �a three-match ODI series against Australia, commencing on September 22, on their home turf.

#WATCH | Team India arrived at Mumbai’s Kalina Airport after winning the #AsiaCup2023 finals against Sri Lanka.

India beat Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final by 10 wickets.

Opting to bat first, Sri Lanka’s decision backfired as Siraj quickly made them rue their choice, reducing them to a perilous 13/6 with an extraordinary four-wicket over. While Kusal Mendis managed 17 runs, and Dushan Hemantha contributed an unbeaten 13, these efforts only provided brief moments of respite. Siraj completed his spell with stellar figures of 6/21 in seven overs, while Pandya chipped in with 3/3 in 2.2 overs, and Bumrah grabbed 1/23 in five overs. Sri Lanka’s innings crumbled, with a mere 50 runs on the board in 15.2 overs.

In response, Ishan Kishan (23*) and Shubman Gill (27*) formed an unbroken partnership, efficiently chasing down the target in just 6.1 overs without conceding a single wicket.

His devastating spell left Sri Lanka reeling at a mere 12 runs for the loss of six wickets.

Initially, Siraj faced a wicketless first over, which was only the second over of the innings. However, he soon unleashed havoc in the fourth over, his second of the match. In a stunning display of bowling prowess, he claimed four wickets in that crucial over. His victims included Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samawickrama, Charith Asalanka, and Dhananjaya De Silva. Jasprit Bumrah had set the tone by dismissing opener Kusal Perera in the very first over of the innings.

In the fourth delivery of his third over, Mohammad Siraj bowled out Sri Lanka’s skipper, Dasun Shanaka. This achievement marked a significant milestone as he became the joint-fastest bowler to claim a five-wicket haul in ODI cricket. He accomplished this feat in just 16 deliveries, matching the record set by Sri Lanka’s Chaminda Vaas and USA’s Ali Khan.

As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the Asia Cup final between India and Sri Lanka at the renowned R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, the focus shifts to the unpredictable element of weather. India, aiming for a record-extending 8th title, faces Sri Lanka, with both teams vying for supremacy in this prestigious tournament. India boasts a remarkable history in the Asia Cup, clinching seven titles, while Sri Lanka aims to match this feat with a victory on Sunday. Here’s what you need to know about the weather conditions in Colombo for the grand final:

• 2pm: Temperature – 28°C, Rain Probability – 49%
• 3pm: Temperature – 29°C, Rain Probability – 49%
• 4pm: Temperature – 29°C, Rain Probability – 49%
• 5pm: Temperature – 29°C, Rain Probability – 49%
• 6pm: Temperature – 27°C, Rain Probability – 61%
• 7pm: Temperature – 27°C, Rain Probability – 49%
• 8pm: Temperature – 27°C, Rain Probability – 57%
• 9pm: Temperature – 28°C, Rain Probability – 49%
• 10pm: Temperature – 27°C, Rain Probability – 65%
• 11pm: Temperature – 27°C, Rain Probability – 49%

While the stage is set for a thrilling showdown, the weather remains a crucial factor. Rain has already disrupted several matches in the ongoing Asia Cup, including India’s group stage game against Pakistan, which was washed out. Additionally, the Super 4 clash between India and Pakistan had to be played across two days due to rain.