KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer are eyeing a comeback through the India vs Australia ODI series as they aim to secure a spot in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. The roster for the Asia Cup 2023 is not expected to include them due to their ongoing recovery from injuries, but they will have the opportunity to prove their fitness and form during the three-match series against Australia.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has advised against rushing any players into international action, despite updates on social media regarding KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer’s fitness progress. If they fully recover, they could be contenders for the ODI World Cup later this year, and their return might be expected during the India vs Australia ODI series in September.
With KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer unavailable, most of the players who recently participated in the three-match ODI series against West Indies are likely to be part of the six-team Asia Cup competition in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The return of Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, and Jasprit Bumrah will likely result in some changes in the bowling lineup.
India’s home season in 2023-24 is set to include 16 international matches, comprising five Tests, three ODIs, and eight T20 Internationals.
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The home season will kick off with the Australia visit, featuring a three-match India vs Australia ODI series in Mohali, Indore, and Rajkot before the World Cup. Following the 50-over World Cup, Australia will return for a T20I series starting on November 23 in Vizag and ending on December 3 in Hyderabad.
While KL Rahul might still be in contention for a spot, Ishan Kishan seems to be securing his position as the wicketkeeper for both the Asia Cup and the World Cup. His inclusion in the squad will lead the team management to decide on the opening lineup when Rohit Sharma returns to the starting XI. Early indications suggest that Ishan and Rohit will open the batting, with Shubman Gill potentially moving to the middle order.
The final lineup and batting order will be determined during the Asia Cup training camp, scheduled to take place in Bengaluru from August 24 to August 29. India’s first opponent in the tournament will be Pakistan in the opening game on September 2.