KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer unlikely to feature in Asia Cup 2023

KL Rahul. (Photo Source:  AP)

With the ODI-format Asia Cup looming around the corner, the Indian team will be keen on assembling the strongest possible squad in the tournament as part of their preparation for the World Cup 2023. Filled to the brim with stars, team India could boast a seriously star-studded lineup in the Asia Cup.

However, sources within the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) recently came forward to state that star batters KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer could miss the tournament due to their ongoing injury issues. The sources indicated that the two batters are not quite there yet in regard to peak fitness, and it could be a major reason why they miss out on playing at the Asia Cup.

Their absence from the Asia Cup could mean that the BCCI is in no rush for them to regain their fitness, and it could be beneficial if they recover in time for the ODI World Cup. If the same is the case, then the three-match ODI series against Australia right before the World Cup could prove to be their comeback games.

However, the Indian team could see quite a few changes being made to their bowling setup. With the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna nearing their returns, India’s bowling attack could be significantly bolstered in the Asia Cup. It is also worth noting that Bumrah was recently selected to lead the Indian team for their upcoming three-match T20I series against Ireland.

With the Asia Cup scheduled to begin on August 30, it could be interesting to see what kind of lineup the Indian team could field in the tournament. Another talking point could be the potential opening pairs. 25-year-old Ishan Kishan has been in sublime form in ODIs. In the three matches that India played against the West Indies, Kishan was one of the best performers for the visitors.

His knocks could also book him a spot in the Asia Cup squad and potentially even the World Cup. It could be likely that Kishan and Rohit Sharma open the innings for India, whereas Shubman Gill could be moved to the middle order.