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The fitness of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023 has left the Men in Blue in a state of bother, as India's star duo's availability for the ODI World Cup 2023 also hangs in the balance. After reports emerged suggesting both players may not be fully fit for 50-over cricket, fans have been left hoping for their quick recovery, especially following a viral video showing Rahul practicing his wicket-keeping drills.
Rahul has been on the sidelines since he injured his thigh during IPL 2023 against Royal Challengers Bangalore, which saw him undergoing a surgery in London. Despite having returned to the nets for batting practice recently, his biggest hurdle will be gaining enough strength in his thighs to withstand the strain of wicket-keeping for 50 overs and then batting.
Rahul's crucial role in India's Asia Cup and World Cup strategies can't be denied, with his remarkable performance at No.5 in ODIs setting him apart. If he doesn't fully recover, it will be a significant setback for India, forcing them to find a new wicketkeeper and a middle-order batter.
Shreyas Iyer's health is also under scrutiny, as he recovers from a recurring back injury that kept him out of IPL 2023. It's believed he's likely to miss the Asia Cup and only has a three-match home series against Australia to prove his fitness for the World Cup. With his consistent performance at No.4 in ODIs, his absence could resurrect India's problem of lacking a solid player for that position.
India's backups sans Rahul, Shreyas
The Indian team management is taking no chances and is considering alternatives in the event that Iyer and Rahul are unfit. Options include Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson, although their direct substitution in the lineup might not be possible. Samson could be a potential replacement for Rahul, despite Ishan Kishan appearing as the first-choice replacement.
Kohli's batting order can be tinkered
The Indian team might have to restructure their batting order if both Rahul and Iyer fails to prove their fitness for the Asia Cup 2023 and ODI World Cup 2023. This could involve moving Virat Kohli from his No.3 spot, which would be a difficult decision considering his stellar ODI performance in that position.
Other options for India
Other options for India may involve promoting Hardik to No.4 or considering Samson or SKY for the No.6 slot. However, these strategies hinge on Rahul's fitness. If Rahul remains unfit, Kishan could become the first-choice keeper and open unless Samson is given the gloves. These various potential scenarios highlight the strategic thinking and planning required for India's upcoming assignments.
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