India’s cricket team has faced significant challenges due to injuries over the last 12 months, resulting in the loss of crucial matches, including the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup in 2022 and the World Test Championship final in June. As the team gears up for the upcoming Asia Cup, concerns linger over the return of key players KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, with Jasprit Bumrah slated for a comeback in the Ireland T20I series.
Ahead of the squad announcement for the continental tournament, India captain Rohit Sharma provided an update on Iyer’s fitness, which might have implications for Suryakumar Yadav’s position in the team.
KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer have been on the road to recovery and have resumed batting in the nets, according to the BCCI’s medical update. However, reports suggest that the duo might not be selected for the Asia Cup. Their absence could be a significant blow to India’s batting line-up, especially considering the experience and form they bring to the team.
During an event in the USA, Rohit Sharma provided a positive update on Shreyas Iyer’s fitness. He expressed hope that Iyer will be fully fit for the T20 World Cup. This update reaffirms earlier reports about the possibility of Iyer being considered for the global event. However, his participation in the Asia Cup remains uncertain.
“Shreyas Iyer is on the track to full fitness, so fingers crossed for World Cup,” he said.
In the absence of Shreyas Iyer earlier this year, India turned to Suryakumar Yadav to capitalize on his excellent T20I form in the ODI format. However, the 32-year-old struggled to replicate his T20I success in 50-over cricket. His performance in the ODI series against New Zealand and Australia was underwhelming, with just 127 runs in nine innings without a half-century and three consecutive ducks. Despite a promising start in the IPL, his performance in the West Indies tour was also disappointing.
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With Iyer reportedly not being part of the Asia Cup squad, India might give Suryakumar Yadav one last opportunity to prove his worth before focusing on the ODI World Cup. Given these past challenges, this change will be crucial for Suryakumar to cement his position as India’s No.4 in the ODI format.
