With the 2023 Asia Cup just two weeks away, the BCCI selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar is still to finalize the India squad for the tournament. Interestingly, only three out of the six participating teams have disclosed their squad lists; India, co-host Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan are yet to make their announcements.
Reportedly, the delay in team selection is due to the selectors wanting to provide sufficient time and chances for KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer to demonstrate their fitness for the upcoming continental tournament.
According to a report from the PTI news agency, the announcement of the squad might occur either in the middle or towards the end of this week.
A recent Instagram post by Rishabh Pant showed Rahul and Iyer engaged in a match simulation at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. It’s unclear whether Rahul also assumed the wicket-keeping role.
Both Rahul and Iyer had surgical procedures earlier this year, dealing with thigh and lower back issues, respectively. They’ve been undergoing recovery at the NCA in hopes of regaining fitness for the Asia Cup and, importantly, the ODI World Cup in October-November.
Both players will need to demonstrate their match fitness, with selectors closely monitoring if Rahul can manage wicket-keeping duties for the entire 50 overs.
“Managing 50 overs in the Sri Lankan heat could be demanding, and the NCA will only endorse Rahul’s fitness if he can comfortably take on wicket-keeping responsibilities. Additionally, given their lack of recent play, the pressure of the first international match against Pakistan (on September 2) might be too intense. However, time is crucial,” said a BCCI source, as quoted by PTI.