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KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer (Source: Twitter)
India's next assignment will be the five T20Is against West Indies. Then the Men in Blue will play the three-match T20I series against Ireland. Post that the Asia Cup will be held in a hybrid model which will be co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka. But the news seems dire from an Indian point of view as KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer are unlikely to be fit for the continental tournament. Rahul was seen doing batting and wicket-keeping practice recently but is still in rehab for his thigh injury.
The Indian Cricket Board recently put out medical updates for Jasprit Bumrah, Iyer, Rahul and Prasidh Krishna. "They have resumed batting in the nets and are currently undergoing strength and fitness drills. The Indian Cricket Board Medical Team is satisfied with their progress and will increase their intensity in terms of both skills and strength and conditioning in the coming days," said the update about Rahul and Iyer.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli did not play the last two ODIs against West Indies
When it comes to Bumrah and Krishna, they were named in the T20I squad for the series against Ireland. Bumrah has also been named captain of the series. Iyer is still recovering from the back injury that he sustained during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Rahul underwent thigh surgery for an injury that he sustained in IPL 2023 at the Ekane Stadium when he was playing for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
“It’s not just whether they can bat, again. At this stage, it cannot be ascertained if they can field at full fitness in a 50 overs match,” An Indian Cricket Board official said providing an update on Iyer. India made changes in the second and third ODI against West Indies. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were not a part of both the games. Sanju Samson was given two chances and scored a vital half-century in the Third ODI.
In the 5 T20Is against West Indies, the India have fielded a lot of youngsters such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma and Ruturaj Gaikwad. These signs mean that the Men in Blue will be looking to build a team ahead of T20 World Cup 2024 which will be held in West Indies and USA.
Let us take a look at the reactions on Twitter:
— prabha (@prabh_here) August 2, 2023
It was so obvious. Management was doing so much experiments it was always on the cards
— pranav (@pranavbuge) August 2, 2023
I will be confused, if they get directly included to WC squad without any match practices. Guys like Ishan and Sanju are in good touch. It will be a big decision.
— akhil raj (@akhilrajpr97) August 2, 2023
I will be confused, if they get directly included to WC squad without any match practices. Guys like Ishan and Sanju are in good touch. It will be a big decision.
— akhil raj (@akhilrajpr97) August 2, 2023
Then please don't consider them for the World Cup. I beg.
— Kabir Singh (@SnarkyScribe) August 2, 2023
that would make sense..at least can't expect them to join the team that in Asia level tournament immediately after recovery
— Gautam Raj Gandhi (@being_comali) August 2, 2023
How can they play WC directly without any rhythm of ODI match practices. after Asia cup there is a 3 match ODI series against Australia. Maybe they will get selected for that series
— Chethan Raj (@Chethan_raj07) August 3, 2023
Why shouldn't they earn their place...that's prblm with India. Last year also Rahul played directly in T20 and 2zimbabwe matches and we know what happened, he was out of touch
— TheJugaadGuy (@vershobhit) August 3, 2023
If they are not picked for the Asia cup, they must not be considered for the WC. It would be a great disservice to players like Kishan or Sanju if they are picked ahead of them for the WC.
— E.Ramakrishnan (@Rama_011) August 2, 2023
Ab kya hi bola jaye.. pic.twitter.com/MhR7GLJfgP
— Prajakta Pathak (@PrajaktaPatha14) August 2, 2023