Defending champions India will be looking to bring home the second gold medal in cricket in the ongoing Asian Games. Harmanpreet Kaur’s side has already won the gold medal after they beat Sri Lanka in the final on Tuesday afternoon by a massive margin of 147 runs.

Many have questioned theselectors for sending a strong side.

The tournament also coincides with the series against West Indies, where the home team will play three ODIs and five T20Is. Players like jasprit bumrah and Shreyas, who are part of the Asian Games team, are also key members of the fifty-over side.

Mohammad Kaif has backed the decision to send big names to Japan. Speaking to Cricbuzz, the 46-year-old said that India want to win the gold medal.

“The squad looks really strong, and most of the players are in good form. Abhishek and Samson are in good form as well. Iyer is the captain, and all of them have been in great touch.”

He also added, “Kishan is the wicketkeeper, and Tilak is the vice-captain, and it is a very balanced side. Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh are top bowlers, and India want to win the gold medal, which is why they have sent the strong squad despite the home series against West Indies.”

Former India player sounds caution

Shreyas Iyer‘s team played a one-off T20I against Japan on Tuesday.

The visiting side scored just 32 runs in a five-over-per-side match. Japan amassed 30 runs and lost the game by just two runs.

“India have to be at their best. You cannot come back into the contest if you make a mistake. It is a new country, and we have no information about the conditions/ They have to assess the conditions first and then play accordingly.”