India's star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant shared a major update on KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer's fitness amidst uncertainties over their return to the ODI squad ahead of Asia Cup 2023. In the video, Rahul and Iyer can be seen batting together in a practice match at National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.
In the video, Iyer played a good length delivery bowled by a right-arm pacer towards off-side. Meanwhile, Rahul was on the non-striker’s end.
If Iyer and Rahul return to the ODI side before Asia Cup, the team management will not have to sweat over the no.4 and no.5 positions. Their form will be tested in the Asia Cup where India take on Pakistan and Nepal in group-stage encounters.
However, there were reports that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is uncertain about whether the two middle-order batters have regained full fitness. If they fail to do so, missing Asia Cup could also mean that they don’t make it to the World Cup squad.
Dravid gives update
After India’s T20I series loss against West Indies, head coach Rahul Dravid provided an update as well.
"We a have few guys coming back from injuries in any case. We have to give them opportunities to play (in Asia Cup). We have a one-week camp in Bengaluru from August 23 for the Asia Cup. We will take it as it comes," Dravid said in the post-match press conference.
Pant’s road to recovery
Meanwhile, Pant is unlikely to make a comeback this year despite surprising the board with the speed of his recovery. The southpaw survived a major car accident on the morning of December 30, 2023. The wicketkeeper has been posting videos of his rehabilitation. He has also been batting in the nets but is yet to regain full fitness. A few reports suggest that he will be fit before Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 and retake the reigns of Delhi Capitals (DC).
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