KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer are unlikely to be selected for the Asia Cup 2023.
KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer are unlikely to be selected for the Asia Cup 2023, according to sources within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Their progress updates on social media notwithstanding, it is believed that they haven’t fully recovered to be considered for the upcoming continental championship, scheduled from August 30 to September 17, reported by Cricbuzz.
As the Asia Cup 2023 approaches, the Indian cricket team aims to put together a formidable strong squad in preparation for the ICC 2023 World Cup. However, there might be a setback, as star batters KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer are facing injury issues, potentially ruling them out of the tournament.
The BCCI has shared that the players are not yet at their peak fitness, and that could be the reason for their absence from the Asia Cup tournament. This situation could also mean that the BCCI is not hurrying their recovery, hoping to have them fit for the ODI World Cup.
If that’s the case, the three-match ODI series against Australia before the World Cup might serve as their comeback games. On the bright side, India’s bowling lineup could receive a significant boost with the expected returns of Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna.
Bumrah, who was recently appointed as the captain for the Indian team in the 3-match T20I series against Ireland, could bolster the bowling attack in the Asia Cup. As the Asia Cup kicks off on August 30, it’ll be intriguing to see the lineup India fields in the tournament. The opening pair is also a topic of discussion.
Ishan Kishan, the 25-year-old dynamic left-hand opener, has been in fantastic form in ODIs, impressing with his performances against the West Indies. His display might earn him a spot in the Asia Cup squad and even a chance in the World Cup as well.
With Ishan’s inclusion, the team management will need to decide on the opening combination when Rohit Sharma returns to the playing XI. The current indications suggest that Ishan and Rohit might open the innings, with Shubman Gill, who opened in the recent ODIs against West Indies, shifting to the middle order. The final team composition and batting order will be determined during the Asia Cup preparatory camp scheduled in Bengaluru from August 24 to 29. India’s first match in the Asia Cup is against Pakistan on September 2.
