After Asia Cup success, Team India will face another ODI challenge before the start of the World Cup. The IND vs AUS ODI series, starting from September 22, holds a significant test for Shreyas Iyer and Suryakumar Yadav, but for different reasons.
For Shreyas Iyer, the spotlight will be on his fitness. The middle-order batter played only two matches in Asia Cup 2023 before getting sidelined due to back spasm. While the reports emerged that he has recovered, Iyer wasn’t included in the playing 11 for the Asia Cup final. His participation in this series is crucial as he needs to prove he is fit enough to perform consistently in batting and fielding.
Iyer had made his much-anticipated return to international cricket during India’s Asia Cup league match against Pakistan at Pallekele, and he made 14 before getting out. He also played against Nepal but didn’t get chance to bat. “It will be an important series for him as he needs to bat and field for the full duration of the match, something he has not done since his return. He has made a good recovery but maybe the team does not want to rush him.”
“We have some more days for the Australia ODIs, and he can make proper recovery before that series,” a source following the development told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
Shreyas Iyer Injury Update
- In March, Iyer complained of back pain after Day 3’s of the fourth test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. From the initial review, Iyer has a recurrence of his back injury that kept him out of the first test.
- He underwent back surgery in London in April and missed the entire IPL 2023.
- Iyer missed the World Test Championship 2023 Final against Australia in June.
- Iyer missed the India tour of the West Indies 2023.
- In July, BCCI issued a statement stating Iyer’s is still under rehab at NCA and the date of his comeback is August.
- Iyer missed the IND vs IRE T20 series in August.
- After passing the fitness test, Iyer was picked for Asia Cup 2023 squad.
- But after playing just two games, Iyer has suffered an injury again.
- He got ruled out of IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 clash with back spasm.
On the other hand, Suryakumar Yadav faces a different challenge. The team management has high hopes for him to replicate his explosive T20I performances in ODIs. However, he hasn’t met these expectations in the 50-over format yet. Suryakumar’s recent performance against Bangladesh, where he scored 26 runs off 34 balls, left fans and pundits disappointed. With KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan showing form, Suryakumar needs to make a significant impact soon to secure his place in the ODI squad.
While the management might not be mulling any imminent changes to their World Cup squad at present, they have time till September 27 to rethink after weighing all options.
*Inputs from PTI
