Reports: BCCI to announce India’s Asia Cup squad on August 21, KL Rahul’s fitness still under question

The Asia Cup 2023 is all set to get underway on August 30 as hosts Pakistan will lock horns against Nepal in the opening fixture at Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan. Notably, India will start their campaign on September 02 as they take on the arch-rivals Pakistan at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele. However, with the mega event just 12 days away, India are yet to announce their squad for the tournament.

According to reports, the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) are likely to select the team on Monday, August 21 as the senior men’s selection committee headed by Ajit Agarkar will meet in New Delhi. India captain Rohit Sharma will join the meeting via video conference along with SS Das, the selector who’s with the team in the ongoing tour of Ireland.

According to ESPNCricinfo, the selection panel wants to pick the same 15-member squad for the World Cup 2023 as well, with the deadline (5th September) to submit the preliminary squad set by the ICC (International Cricket Council) nearing. The selected team along with a few stand-by players will then head to Bengaluru for a six-day preparation camp before their departure to Colombo for the continental tournament.

The major point of discussion during the selection meeting will be regarding the fitness of Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul. Notably, the duo is undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru where they’re being put under 50-over match simulations to make themselves ready for the upcoming big events.

The ESPNCricinfo report further states that Iyer’s progress has been satisfactory as he fielded for the entire 50 overs and batted for 38 overs without much discomfort during the first practice game. The match was closely monitored by NCA chief VVS Laxman and batting coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar.

KL Rahul didn’t play in the first practice game

However, Rahul didn’t feature in that game and is expected to participate in the second practice game on Sunday, August 20 along with Iyer. Indian fans would hope that Rahul regains his fitness and solves India’s wicketkeeper conundrum as he will take the fifth spot in the batting order.

On the other hand, Iyer will fix India’s number four issues and take the most discussed position in the batting order. If selected, the duo will take most of India’s troubles away with Jasprit Bumrah having already made a roaring comeback in the first T20I against Ireland.