Former Indian wicketkeeper Saba Karim has suggested that Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan could be the most suitable contenders to step in for Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul if the two players are deemed unfit for participation in the upcoming Asia Cup and World Cup events.
The Indian team’s roster for the 2023 Asia Cup scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka and Pakistan between August 30 and September 17 is still pending. Reports suggest that the selectors plan to unveil the squad on August 20 aiming to provide Rahul and Shreyas ample opportunity to make their case for inclusion in the team.
While having a conversation with Jio Cinema, Saba Karim said,”The selectors should take KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer into consideration – they can be included in the team if they are fit. But the wait has not ended, the team will be announced on the 20th from what I know, they have the time until then. But if they are not fit, Ishan Kishan is a good option against Rahul since he can bat as an opener and in the middle-order.”
The former selector of BCCI further emphasized that while India possesses multiple alternatives for the number five position, Suryakumar Yadav should be preferred as the primary one.
“If Shreyas Iyer is not fit, you have 2-3 options to pick from, in Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav. But for me, Suryakumar has gained experience of playing one-day cricket both domestically and internationally. I will still back Suryakumar Yadav,” Karim commented.
