India’s preparations for the Men’s Asia Cup 2023 have been dealt a severe blow as star batsmen Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul are almost ruled out of the tournament. A report published in Cricbuzz indicates that both players are unlikely to be picked for the 2023 Men’s Asia Cup, which is scheduled to commence on August 30.
While Iyer and Rahul have been updating Indian fans about their recovery progress through social media posts, sources from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) suggest that they are yet to fully recover. As a result, rushing them back into international action for the Asia Cup is being seen as a premature decision.
However, the batting duo remains in contention for the ODI World Cup later this year if they regain complete fitness in time. In such a scenario, the three-match ODI series against Australia in September will serve as their last opportunity for a comeback before the World Cup at home.
With Iyer and Rahul’s potential absence, it is likely that most players who featured in the recently-concluded ODI series against West Indies will form the Indian squad for the Asia Cup 2023, which will be held in Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
There may be a few bowling changes for the tournament as Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami and the indomitable Jasprit Bumrah are expected to return to bolster the bowling attack.
Shubman Gill may shift to the middle oder
According to the report, Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma are likely to be the opening pair for India in the continental tournament. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill, who opened in the three ODIs against West Indies, may shift to the middle order to provide stability in the batting lineup.
India’s Asia Cup 2023 fixtures
Group Stage
- September 02: Pakistan vs India at Kandy (SL)
- September 04: India vs Nepal at Kandy (SL)
Also READ: ACC unveils the complete schedule of Asia Cup 2023
