Asia Cup 2023 All Teams Captains: The Asia Cup is fast approaching and the first match will be played on August 30. India, Pakistan, and defending champions Sri Lanka are the main contenders to lift the cup once again. However, teams like Bangladesh and Afghanistan are not to be taken lightly either. Nepal will also be looking to give some tough competition to the Cricketing giants. In the meantime, in this article, we’ll take a look at the captains and their records in the main event thus far.
Asia Cup 2023 All Teams Captains
Rohit Sharma (India)
No matter what conditions, India will definitely start favorites in the Asia Cup. Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, the Men in Blue won the last 50+ Asia Cup by defeating Bangladesh in the final matchup. To note, Rohit has amassed a total of 745 runs in just 21 innings at an average of over 46 in the 50-over format. He has spanned 6 fifty-one centuries in the marquee event.
Babar Azam (Pakistan)
Heading into the tournament, Babar Azam will be seeking his first Asia Cup title as captain. To note, Pakistan lost the final of the last Asia Cup when Sri Lanka were crowned champions. However, Babar and company will want to rectify their mistakes from the previous competition and put on a solid performance in front of their home crowd. Talking about his numbers, Babar has played only 5 games and scored 156 runs at an average of 31.20.
Shakib al Hasan (Bangladesh)
The Bangladesh Cricket Board recently appointed Shakib al Hasan as its skipper for the Asia Cup. To note, Shakib’s last assignment as Bangladesh’s ODI captain came against Ireland at Malahide on 12 May 2017, with the match ending in a no-contest. Overall, Shakib has led in 52 ODIs as Bangla Tigers prepare for the Asia Cup to lift their maiden title.
Dasun Shanaka (Sri Lanka)
Sri Lanka stunned the cricketing fraternity by winning the latest edition of the Asia Cup under the captaincy of Dasun Shanaka. However, that was the 20+ format and Sri Lanka will now have to prove their power in the 50+ format to defend their title. To note, this will be the first time Shanaka has led his national team in the Asia Cup.
Hashmatullah Shahidi (Afghanistan)
Like Shanaka, it will be the first time Hashmatullah Shahidi has also led Afghanistan in the Asia Cup for over 50 years. Overall, Hashmatullah Shahidi has played 59 ODI matches with 1637 runs at an average of over 30. However, the hit rate of him is low at 65.98. He has stroked 14 fifties but has not stroked a single century in the format. The left-handed hitter will want to make a point with the bat and lead his side from the front.
Rohit Paudel (Nepal)
In November 2022, Rohit Paudel was appointed as Nepal’s captain. Nepal beat the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the ACC Men’s Premier Cup final in May and qualified for the 2023 Asia Cup. In the 2023 Asia Cup, Nepal is placed in Group A, along with heavyweights heavyweights India and Pakistan. Rohit Paudel will lead Nepal for the first time in the Asia Cup as they look to push their weight.
