Xtra Time Web Desk: Team India batter’s susceptibility to left-arm seamers has been a recurring challenge in recent times. Instances like Mohammad Amir in the 2017 Champions Trophy final at the Oval, Trent Boult in the 2019 ODI World Cup semi final in Manchester, and Shaheen Shah Afridi in the 2021 T20 World Cup in Dubai have highlighted this vulnerability. As the highly anticipated India versus Pakistan match in the 2023 Asia Cup approaches, the spotlight will be on the contest between Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi and India’s top-order batsmen, especially Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
To prepare for this crucial encounter, India has called Rajasthan’s tall left arm pacer Aniket Choudhary during the Asia Cup 2023 training camp at the KSCA facility in Alur. While Aniket may not possess Afridi’s finesse in generating late movement, his presence in the practice nets provides valuable insight into what India can expect from the Pakistani pacer.
Meanwhile, the training camp’s activities have been methodical, with an emphasis on fitness tests, batting practice, and spin bowling sessions. Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli have been working diligently to counter the left-arm threat, honing their skills and strategies. As the match day approaches, India’s preparation seems focused and well-rounded, with Aniket Choudhary’s inclusion being a notable move to address their historical vulnerability to left-arm seamers.