Two of India's marquee players - Jasprit Bumrah and KL Rahul - are likely to make a comeback to the national side after recovering from their respective injuries before the 2023 ODI World Cup while Shreyas Iyer's return might take a longer time than earlier anticipated. According to a report in The Indian Express, Bumrah and Rahul might be part of the Men in Blue's squad for the 2023 Asia Cup tournament which is scheduled to be staged in September.
Both Bumrah and Rahul are currently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. The right-arm fast bowler, who underwent back surgery earlier in the year, is believed to be recovering well and has also bowled a few overs in the NCA nets. Bumrah hasn't complained of any significant pain during his rehab process.
Pestered by the recurring back injury, Bumrah has been sidelined which has cost India big time in the mega events including the recent WTC final which they lost by 209 runs. Bumrah's absence has hurt India not just in the WTC final but also in last year's Asia Cup and T20 World Cup. Thus, the BCCI doesn't want to take any more chances with Bumrah as they want the senior pacer to be available for selection in India's World Cup squad.
When it comes to Rahul, who underwent surgery himself after suffering a right thigh injury in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2023), is also believed to be recovering well. Moving forward, the wicketkeeper-batter who has become an integral part of India's ODI squad, is scheduled to amp up his recovery process. According to the report, there is a possibility that both Rahul and Bumrah might regain full fitness before the Ireland tour that begins on August 18 but the BCCI is in no mood to rush them back.
In the case of Iyer, the right-handed batter underwent back surgery earlier in the year after recurring injuries and he too, is in the NCA currently. His return is expected to be delayed and if that happens, then the BCCI might turn towards Suryakumar Yadav or Sanju Samson as Iyer's replacement in ODIs. Before his injury, Iyer had become an indispensable figure in India's batting line-up, having made the No.4 position his own.
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