5 Batters to look out for in Asia Cup 2023

The upcoming edition of the Asia Cup will kick off on August 30. The first game will be played between Pakistan and debutants, Nepal. Nepal won the Asia Cup qualifying final and will appear for the first time. Apart from them, former champions such as India and Sri Lanka will also feature in the tournament. Bangladesh, who has played three finals in 2012, 2016, and 2018 will also compete.

Afghanistan, which made its debut in 2014, will also feature in the tournament. Notably, the squads of these teams for the tournament are yet to be announced. India is busy in the tour of the West Indies. On the other hand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka played a two-match Test series this month. The squad is expected to be announced early next month. Meanwhile, in this listicle, let's have a look at the batters to watch out for.

Five batters to watch out for in the Asia Cup 2023

Virat Kohli (Source: Twitter)

1. Virat Kohli

The former India skipper, Kohli, alongside his successor, Rohit Sharma will take some rest after the ongoing ODI series against West Indies. The duo will get a month's rest before the continental. While Sharma hasn't done much in the ODIs, Kohli is yet to bat. Meanwhile, the latter has a great record in Sri Lanka, having played 23 games. In these games, the two-time World Champion 899 runs averaging 47.31 including four hundreds. 

Fakhar Zaman (Source: Twitter)

2. Fakhar Zaman

The Champions Trophy 2017 winner is yet to play in Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, as an opening batter, he has a great record with 3148 runs in 70 games averaging 48.43 including 10 hundred. Given the fragile middle order in the team, his role is quite important in what will be his first game in the island nation. 

Kusal Mendis (Image Credit: Twitter)

3. Kusal Mendis

The Sri Lanka opening batter made a great comeback last year after completing the ban. In the 11 games, he played last year, the right-hander has 388 runs averaging 48.50 including three fifties. This year, the average has gone down to 27.41 as he played some games out of home as well. However, at home, he has the right techniques to do well.   

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Source - Twitter)

4. Rahmanullah Gurbaz

The Afghanistan opening batter doesn't have a great record in Sri Lanka. After playing six games, he has only managed 150 runs averaging 25. However, his recent form in Bangladesh might give him some confidence going into the Asia Cup 2023.   

Liton Das (Source - Twitter)

5. Litton Das

The opening batter from Bangladesh had a great time in ODIs with 577 runs in 13 games averaging 52.45. This year, the average has dropped to 30.10 in 12 games. Also, he will play for the first time in Sri Lanka. It will be interesting to see how he does in the tournament.