The Indian Cricket Team’s worst fear is on the verge of coming true. Star middle-order batters KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer could head into the World Cup 2023 with barely any practice. The duo, currently at the NCA are likely to miss the Asia Cup 2023 starting on August 30. Iyer and Rahul have both resumed practice. However, a return during the India vs Australia series is considered a more realistic possibility.
Both Shreyas and KL Rahul are considered central to Indian Cricket Team’s plans for the World Cup 2023 starting on October 5. Shreyas has been out of action since March, while Rahul injured his hamstring in May. Both players underwent their subsequent surgeries abroad. While BCCI issued an injury update, no return date was specified.
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It was hoped India would have all their World Cup 2023 squad players fit and ready for the India vs Pakistan on September 2. However, Shreyas and Rahul, though training, are still someway off full fitness. BCCI are opting for a cautious approach with injuries. Humidity and workload considered as a factor in delaying their return.
“It is unlikely that both Rahul and Shreyas would be match fit for 50-over cricket and that too in humid conditions in Sri Lanka. But BCCI medical team feels that Rahul can at least get fit before the three-match series against Australia before the World Cup,” a BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
Will Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul be fit for the World Cup 2023?
“In case of Iyer, he has also started skills training but World Cup for him will be touch and go if Indian management thinks of putting a 100 percent fit Iyer back on the park. T20 is an easier vehicle for comeback, unlike 50-over cricket. We are keeping fingers crossed,” the source added.
The selectors will convene next week to pick their squad for the Asia Cup. There remains uncertainty over the fitness of both Rahul & Shreyas. Thus, Dravid has been handing out opportunities to both Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson. Rahul is India’s designated keeper but he is said to be someway off being match ready for 50-over cricket.
A return for the India vs Australia series is considered likely. However, the World Cup squad selection deadline lapses on August 29. The Indian team management is desperate to have at least one of the two fit and available for the World Cup.
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