Although neither KL Rahul nor Shreyas Iyer are currently in a match-ready condition, they have reached about 80% fitness. Given that there are still 18 days remaining until the Asia Cup 2023, it’s probable that they will attain full fitness by then. However, before the squad is finalized, both players are scheduled to undergo a fitness evaluation on Friday, August 18. This fitness assessment will provide the selectors with a clear understanding of the status of the duo.
As KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer regain their fitness, the competition for the remaining spot will likely be a contest between Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson. While Sanju’s statistics support his bid for an ODI position, Suryakumar Yadav (SKY) brings a unique quality as an X-factor despite facing repeated challenges.
In both scenarios, it’s a challenging task for both batsmen to secure a spot in the final Playing XI. The main question is about the composition of the squad. Given Shreyas Iyer’s uncertain status during the IND vs WI ODIs, both Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson were given opportunities. While Suryakumar Yadav didn’t succeed, Sanju Samson delivered a crucial innings of 51 runs in the third ODI. However, he failed to make a positive impression on the selectors due to the way he lost his wicket.
Also read: Chris Jordan to Replace Jofra Archer in World Cup 2023 – Report
A topic of discussion will also revolve around Tilak Varma. In his brief international career spanning five innings, Tilak Varma has emerged as a promising talent. Across five matches, he has scored 173 runs with an impressive average of 57.33, which includes a fifty and an unbeaten 49. He even secured a wicket in the fifth T20 match.
Considering the likely absence of Ravichandran Ashwin, Varma could contribute to the squad as an off-spin bowler. Additionally, being a left-handed middle-order batsman, he has the potential to fill the void left by Rishabh Pant.
The crucial question is whether he should be expedited into ODIs, given that the World Cup 2023 is only 51 days away. While Tilak Varma will be available for the Asia Cup 2023, he is set to miss at least the first two matches in the World Cup due to his involvement in the Asian Games 2023 squad.
Probable India Asia Cup 2023 Squad:
Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan (WK), KL Rahul (WK), Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya (VC), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj
May be Included: Sanju Samson, Prasidh Krishna, Tilak Varma