India will clash with Sri Lanka on Sunday, Sept 17 in final of Asia Cup 2023 in Colombo.
India has had an injury concern ahead of the summit clash as all-rounder Akshar Patel injured his hamstring and also copped a painful blow on the forearm thanks to an errant throw. This led to the BCCI naming Washington Sundar as a replacement for him.
While speaking about his preferred India playing XI, Chopra mentioned that we might see Sundar playing in the final of Asia Cup 2023. He added that India was missing an off-spinner and Sundar might play that role on Sunday.
“The breaking news is that Washington Sundar has been sent to Sri Lanka. He has already landed. You might see him playing in the final as well. He is completely out of the box because there is a slight injury concern for Akshar Patel.
You might see Washington Sundar playing because another spinner should be played here and we are missing an off-spinner as well. There will be changes in this team. They rested everyone in the last match. Now there is no need to rest, this is the final,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
He then shared his pick for the Indian XI for the Asia Cup 2023 final against Sri Lanka on Sunday.
“My team for this match will be - Rohit Sharma along with Shubman Gill. Then King Kohli will come at No. 3 and you will see KL Rahul at No. 4. You will still find Ishan Kishan at No. 5 although you haven't yet got an answer to the No. 5 question. Hardik Pandya will come at No. 6. After that Ravindra Jadeja, and then can it be either Washington Sundar or Shardul Thakur. Then it will be Kuldeep, Bumrah, and Siraj,” said Chopra.
India will be facing Sri Lanka for the eighth time in the final of the Asia Cup. The Men in Blue could win a record-extending eighth Asia Cup title in Colombo.
Aakash Chopra’s predicted India XI for Asia Cup 2023 final:
Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur/Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah