As the Asia Cup 2023 approaches, time is running out for the announcement of the squads for the Indian team. But as per the reports BCCI is planning to announce the squad for the upcoming Asia Cup in August 2023. Shreyas Iyer, who was expected to make a comeback after four months of injury lay-off is set to extend his exile more.
Shreyas Iyer’s unexpected absence from the Asia Cup would definitely be a huge letdown, as India continues to deal with the difficulty of identifying a viable contender for the number four slot in the One Day Internationals (ODIs). During major sections of the 2023 ODI series against Australia and West Indies, Suryakumar Yadav had a chance to display his ability for the number four spot in the absence of Iyer. However, despite his top position in the T20I format, Yadav couldn’t achieve the expectations, struggling to surpass a score of 40 in six innings.
Sanju Samson has also shown inconsistency, deepening the vacuum created by Iyer’s departure in the number four place. Shreyas Iyer’s return to this position would have surely provided a big boost to the Indian team, solving this recurring difficulty and maybe stabilizing the lineup.
A source gave an update on the fitness of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer and mentioned that Iyer will take some more time to regain his full fitness despite practicing in the nets. He said:
“KL Rahul is largely healthy and maintaining wickets, although Shreyas Iyer (who had back surgery) is still not fully recovered. At Bangalore’s National Cricket Academy, both have participated in match simulations and shortly, they’ll play a practice match. The team and NCA’s physios will also evaluate the players’ level of fitness after their return from the West Indies tour. Hence the delay in announcing the team,” the source said.
Possible replacement for Shreyas Iyer in the Asia Cup 2023
Ravi Shastri has advised that Virat Kohli could potentially take up the fourth batting position if it serves the team’s best interests. Notably, Kohli has a great track record in this slot, accumulating 1767 runs with an average of 55.21. This change would clear the way for Rohit Sharma to fill the number three spot, bringing important steadiness in the middle order. However, making this tactic work would involve Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan opening the innings.
Yet, the availability of KL Rahul in full fitness for the Asia Cup could alter this scenario, leading to Kishan’s absence. At present, Suryakumar Yadav appears as the most plausible alternative for the number four place. Sanju Samson’s prospects for participating in the Asia Cup appear slim due to dismal performances in the T20 series against the West Indies. A surprise contender, Tilak Varma, has climbed into consideration because of his excellent T20 series performance against the West Indies when he amassed 173 runs with an average of 57.
Former India coach Ravi Shastri, though, feels Varma should be included in the Asia Cup team, owing to his hot form. “Indian selectors know who’s the hot guy and should pick them for the World Cup. If Tilak Varma is hot, bring him in. If Yashasvi Jaiswal is hot, bring him in,” Shastri said to Star Sports.
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