Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes the reason behind BCCI selectors sending a full-strength Indian team squad for the Asian Games 2026 cricket event is that their sole focus is to win the gold medal.
He claimed that instead of keeping them for the home ODI series against the West Indies, India sent its stronger team to the Asian Games in order to win the gold medal.
There has been discussion about squad distribution as the Indian men's team juggles multiple international obligations. Reviewing the traveling contingent, however, Kaif emphasized the tournament squad's star power, depth, and current form while highlighting important additions from many sectors.
"Oh yes, I think if you see the squad, it looks very strong; lots of players are in form. You know, talk about the opener. Shreyas Iyer is a captain, and Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson have been in great touch. I hope to see him playing in that game because he's been, you know, out of the 11 after scoring so many runs for India,” Kaif said on Cricbuzz.
"Kishan, wicket-keeper; Tilak Varma, vice-captain. I think it's a very balanced side. Jasprit is there, Arshdeep Singh. I think they have a very strong squad because their focus is to win the gold. Yeah, at the same time, they're playing an ODI against the West Indies here back home, but they have sent their stronger players to the Asian Games to win gold. I think it looks very strong on paper," he added.
Kaif warned that there is no room for confidence because of the tournament's knockout system, despite the formidable squad on paper. India's chances of winning the title will depend heavily on their ability to quickly adjust to new circumstances.
"The only difference is they're playing in the day, so just one game. You have to be, you know, at your best. There is no looking back. If you make a mistake, you can't come back in the game. So, it's a day game, like I said. New country, new venue. We don't know the condition or how it's going to be. So, first assess the condition, then play accordingly,” Kaif added.
According to Kaif, regular match training has maintained the edge of the team, despite changes in the playing conditions when playing away from home. According to Kaif, the Indian fans who will come with the team will have an effect at the venue, wherever it is.
"The best part about the Indian team is that all the players have been in great touch. Even though he doesn't see Bumrah coming back, he's doing well. In the openers and middle order, all the players have been in touch with the game.
Yes, as I said, the condition might be a bit different, and whenever an Indian team tours abroad or goes outside India, they have fans coming in watching the game, supporting them. That we have seen across the world. Wherever they go, this is going to be in Japan, I'm sure, you know, the fans will be at the ground cheering for India,” Kaif concluded.
India will begin its Asian Games campaign on September 28, and the opponent is yet to be decided.
(Cricbuzz inputs)
