India's Asian Games squad: No Rohit, Kohli, Hardik, and Jadeja, BCCI to go with THESE players

India men's and women's cricket teams will compete at the Asian Games 2023, which will be held in Hangzhou, China, from September to October. However, with the timeline almost overlapping with the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2023, the men's team for the Asian Games will not be selecting any cricketers who are headed to the ICC tournament, BCCI announced on Saturday. 

This means that India's first-ever men's cricket team for the Asian Games will be without regular captain Rohit Sharma, vice-captain Hardik Pandya, star batter Virat Kohli, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, keeper-batter KL Rahul, pacers Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj, among other regulars in ODIs.

"BCCI will send both men’s and women’s teams to the Asian Games scheduled to be held in September 2023 at Hangzhou, China. However, considering the overlap of schedule of the Asian Games with ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, BCCI will select from the players not participating in the World Cup to play in the Asian Games," BCCI secretary Jay Shah said after the 19th Apex Council meeting that took place in Mumbai on Friday.

Beginning on September 23, the Asian Games will last till October 8 and given that cricket is a team sport it would take more time than other competitions and would go on until the very end of the competition. 

This makes it impossible for Indian cricketers, who will be part of the ICC World Cup 2023, to participate in the Asian Games. The Men in Blue will be hosting the 50-over competition beginning on October 5. On October 8, India will take on Australia in their opening game.

Like the other nine teams taking part in the World Cup, BCCI will name a 15-man squad and keep three official reserve players and therefore, India's men's team for Asia Games, won't feature those 18 cricketers picked for the ODI World Cup.

So who will be part of the Team India squad?

According to earlier reports, Shikhar Dhawan, who is not vying for a World Cup spot, will likely serve as the captain of the Indian team competing in the Asian Games. 

With the Asian Games being played in a T20 format, it could also provide the opportunity for other athletes like Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma, and Mukesh Kumar to make their India debuts. 

Talking about openers Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal, while it is doubtful that both of them would be selected for the World Cup, they may both be selected for the Asian Games team.