Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul’s Fitness Raises More Questions than Answers after inclusion in Asia Cup Squad

Former Indian cricketer Madan Lal has voiced apprehension about the fitness levels of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, while also raising eyebrows over the absence of Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravichandran Ashwin from the Indian squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently unveiled the 17-member squad, including the return of players like Jasprit Bumrah, Iyer, and Rahul, for the highly anticipated Asia Cup commencing on August 30.

Madan Lal expressed his thoughts on the squad, stating, “More or less, the team is the same which all of us were expecting. But the only worrying point is the fitness level. KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer had not played matches. Playing in a big game like Asia Cup or World Cup is totally different, there is a lot going on. Your level of fitness has to be more than 100%. I hope they are fit,” in a conversation with ANI. He also expressed his surprise regarding the exclusion of seasoned players Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravichandran Ashwin from the lineup.

KL Rahul’s fitness status has been a topic of discussion since he sustained an injury during a match against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on May 1. He has been undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy. Shreyas Iyer, on the other hand, opted out of back surgery due to a recurring lower-back injury. His recovery involved rest and continued rehabilitation, which unfortunately ruled him out of crucial matches, including the final Test against Australia and the ODI series against the visiting team.

During the announcement of the Asia Cup squad, chief selector Ajit Agarkar addressed KL Rahul’s condition, mentioning that he is nursing a niggle and is expected to regain full fitness by the second or third game of the Asia Cup. Despite these concerns, the Indian team is gearing up to face the challenges posed by the Asia Cup, co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka, from August 30 to September 17.

The Asia Cup holds immense significance as it serves as a crucial preparation benchmark for India ahead of the World Cup, scheduled to begin in October. Additionally, the tournament provides an opportunity for selectors to make critical decisions in view of the marquee event. India’s Asia Cup journey will commence with a high-voltage encounter against arch-rivals Pakistan on September 2 in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s appointment as Rohit Sharma’s deputy adds an additional layer of intrigue to India’s campaign.

Jasprit Bumrah’s return to ODI cricket after an extended hiatus is poised to bolster India’s pace attack, especially as he has showcased his fitness during the ongoing T20I series against Ireland. Bumrah’s participation in the 50-over format is a testament to his readiness for the impending World Cup. Moreover, the return of Mohammed Siraj adds another dimension to India’s pace resources, after his absence due to a lingering ankle issue.