Rohit Sharma, the captain of the Indian cricket team, along with Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of the Men’s selection committee, stepped up recently to unveil India’s squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023. The announcement of the squad sparked discussions, with many expressing the view that the cricket board took a bold move by revealing the squad ahead of time. Former Indian cricketer Madan Lal has raised concerns regarding the selection of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer in the Asia Cup squad.
Several players included in the roster haven’t got much playing time. After dealing with injuries, key batters KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer found their place in the squad. Additionally, Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna, who have been rehabilitating from injuries, have lately made their return.
Reports suggested that KL Rahul might not be available during the early phase of the Asia Cup 2023 owing to a small ailment. This judgment garnered criticism from former Indian cricketer Madan Lal. Lal expressed his dissatisfaction, pointing out that even the selectors seem dubious about KL Rahul’s complete fitness. He questioned the choice of including him in the team without any recent match preparation.
“I don’t think the selectors and team management are still sure whether KL Rahul is fit or not. What injury or niggle? They should have specified that. They have kept Shreyas Iyer. There’s still no surety about his fitness. They haven’t played any competitive cricket. They should have been picked after they had proved their match fitness. Batting in the nets and batting in the middle are two different things,” Madan Lal told Aaj Tak.
The thing that has surprised me the most is Yuzvendra Chahal’s absence says Madan Lal
Additionally, Madan Lal highlighted the omission of the prominent spinner Yuzvendra Chahal from the Asia Cup squad. Emphasizing Chahal’s role as a vital wicket-taker for the Indian team, the former Indian cricketer expressed his astonishment at the decision to leave him out.
“The thing that has surprised me the most is Yuzvendra Chahal’s absence. They said there should only be one wrist spinner. Chahal is a genuine wicket-taker and a match-winner. His absence was surprising. Yes, Axar Patel has done really well in the last two-three years. I’m not criticising him but you have Ravindra Jadeja to do what he does. You need wicket-takers if you want to win matches. Apart from Chahal’s absence and the inclusion of unfit players, the squad was largely on the expected lines,” Madan Lal said.
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