Team India batter Shreyas Iyer is fit to play in the upcoming 2023 Asia Cup, confirmed the Head coach Rahul Dravid. He has been out of action for several months owing to a back injury. However, he has completed his rehabilitation and is back in the Indian squad for the continental championship, which kicks off on August 30 in Multan, Pakistan.
India will begin their campaign in the Asia Cup on September 2 against Pakistan in Pallekele, Sri Lanka. They are currently in Alur for a brief camp to gear up for the Asia Cup as well as the 2023 ODI World Cup which will take place later this year in India. Shreyas Iyer’s comeback is a huge boost for the Indian team ahead of the two championships. Sharing an update on the Mumbai batter, Indian head coach Rahul Dravid said,
“Shreyas Iyer is fully fit, he has ticked all the boxes – batted and fielded a lot in the camp. The only thing he has missed is the game time. Looked pretty good, and it will be all about giving him more game time, Hopefully, it will come in the Asia Cup. In terms of fitness, he has done well, has batted well, ticked all the boxes.”
The Indian coach further shared that they will adopt a careful approach with KL Rahul. The wicket-keeper batter is also making a comeback from injury. He will be missing the first two matches of the Asia Cup. Dravid said,
“Both him (KL Rahul) and Shreyas are in the same boat. Slightly cautious approach with KL. We are hoping he will only miss the first two games and will be available for the latter part of the tour.”
When people are not available we have to try others: Rahul Dravid
India experimented a lot with the players in the run-up to the Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup 2023. The batting order was shuffled to test different combinations in the last few series. Rahul Dravid shared that the experiments were done with specific goals in mind, given the injury concerns. He said,
“We had to rotate people to see who could bat at that position. When people are not available we have to try other people, give them opportunities and that has always been the endeavour.”
Team India is in Group A of the 2023 Asia Cup alongside Pakistan and Nepal. They will face Pakistan in their opening clash. It will be followed by their second and last league game against Nepal on Monday, September 4 in Pallekele.
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