The countdown is on for India Asia Cup 2023 Squad. While other teams have begun releasing squads, India Cricket Team have been waiting for fitness updates on some crucial players. But good news, KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer are all set to return from long-term injuries. The squad is expected by Aug 20 (Sunday). However, there is only a faint hope for Sanju Samson as Team India may not carry a third keeper. Ishan Kishan is all set to get the second keeper’s slot. But there will be discussions regarding Tilak Varma. The squad will be a preview of the World Cup 2023.
However, instead of a 15-member squad, Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI Selection Committee will name a larger 18-member squad. It will be trimmed down to 15 for World Cup 2023 after Asia Cup 2023.
While Jasprit Bumrah is fit and sound, there has been uncertainty over KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer. Both middle-order batters are crucial to India’s plans. If KL Rahul performs the dual role of wicketkeeper-batter, Shreyas Iyer is designated No 4 batter.
The good news is that both have been part of the National Cricket Academy’s (NCA) match simulation. And that is a hint of the good news to come. India head coach Rahul Dravid already hinted that he has been waiting for an injury report on the star duo.
Fitness Test on Aug 18
While both KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer are not match fit, they were 80% fit. With 18 days still to go for the Asia Cup 2023, they are likely to be 100% fit by then. But before squad selection, both will appear for a fitness test on Aug 18, Friday. The fitness assessment will give the selectors a clear picture of where the duo stands.
“We are waiting for a couple of injury updates. KL and Shreyas are 80% fit but aren’t yet match-fit. Once we have more clarity, the squad will be announced,” a senior BCCI official told InsideSport earlier this week.
Sanju Samson vs Suryakumar Yadav
With both KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer fit, it is going to be a shoot-off between Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson for the other place. While Sanju brings in the numbers to back his claims for an ODI slot, SKY is the X-factor who has failed repeatedly.
In either case, it is difficult for both batters to find a place in the Playing XI. However, who makes the squad is the question. With Iyer uncertain during IND vs WI ODIs, both SKY and Sanju Samson got their chance. While SKY failed, Sanju played a crucial 51-run knock in the third ODI. However, he did not manage to impress the selectors in the manner he threw away his wicket.
Is there place for Tilak Varma in Asia Cup 2023?
There is also set to be a discussion around Tilak Varma. In five innings so far in international cricket, Tilak Varma has emerged as the next big thing. In five matches, he scored 173 runs at an average of 57.33 including a fifty and an unbeaten 49. He also bagged a wicket in the 5th T20.
With Ravichandran Ashwin unlikely, he could add value to the squad with his off-spin. Furthermore, he is a left-hander in the middle order that could fill in Rishabh Pant’s void.
The question is should he be fast-tracked to ODIs with just 51 days left for World Cup 2023? Tilak will be available for Asia Cup 2023 but he is set to miss at least the first two matches in World Cup as he is 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
Up for debate: Sanju Samson, Prasidh Krishna, Tilak Varma
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