India won their second Asia Cup title under Rohit Sharma's captaincy.
In the all-important final, India bundled out the hosts for a paltry 50 in 15.2 overs on the back of Mohammed Siraj’s six-wicket haul (6/21). Hardik Pandya (3/3) and Jasprit Bumrah (1/23) shared the remaining four scalps between them.
In reply, the Men in Blue overhauled the target in just 6.1 overs as openers Shubman Gill (27*) and Ishan Kishan (23*) backed up the bowlers' efforts with a quick finish.
It was India’s record-extending eighth Asia Cup title win and their second under Rohit Sharma’s leadership. Notably, Rohit was the captain when India won the continental event in 2018 as then regular skipper Virat Kohli was rested.
After the latest triumph, former India opener Gautam Gambhir shared his verdict on Rohit’s captaincy while also firing a "Virat Kohli, Rahul Dravid" warning.
“There was never a doubt about Rohit the captain. He won 5 IPL titles. Many didn't even win once. But his real test will come in the next 15 days. You have your best 15-18 players in the dressing room now. If they cannot deliver they there will be question marks. After every World Cup, if the captain is unable to deliver then questions will be raised. Virat Kohli faced it. Rahul Dravid faced it in 2007. If India fail to deliver in 2023, then questions will be raised on Rohit's captaincy. But this team has the ability to make the World Cup final,” Gambhir said on Star Sports.
India will open their 2023 ODI World Cup campaign against Australia in Chennai on October 8. Prior to the quadrennial event, they will host Australia in a three-match ODI series from September 22 to September 27.