As the World Cup approaches with only 54 days remaining, India’s squad combination is under scrutiny. The absence of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer from the Asia Cup lineup could potentially dim their chances of securing a spot in the World Cup roster. The unsettled nature of the No. 4 position and the form of these middle-order stalwarts add complexity to India’s preparations.
Crucially, KL Rahul is slated to participate in a couple of practice matches, followed by a fitness evaluation on August 18. The selectors and team management will then make a definitive call regarding his inclusion for the Asia Cup. Amidst the countdown to the World Cup, the availability of Rahul and Iyer for the Asia Cup has become a pivotal consideration.
India’s quest to end their ICC title drought hinges on the Asia Cup and the forthcoming three ODIs against Australia before the World Cup. However, the team’s preparations have been hampered by injuries to key players throughout the year. Rahul, Iyer, Jasprit Bumrah, and Prasidh Krishna, integral members of the team, have been sidelined due to injuries requiring surgery.
The Asia Cup was viewed as an opportunity to field India’s potential World Cup squad. Nevertheless, the fitness concerns surrounding Rahul and Iyer have necessitated the exploration of alternative options by the team management.
Ajit Agarkar, Chairman of Selectors, recently returned from the Caribbean and is set to engage in discussions with the selection panel to chart the way forward. Although Bumrah and Krishna are on the road to recovery and will participate in T20Is in Ireland, Rahul and Iyer remain on the path of recuperation. Consequently, the announcement of the Asia Cup squad is temporarily delayed.
KL Rahul’s upcoming schedule includes participation in practice matches, coupled with a fitness assessment on August 18. The outcome of this assessment will determine his readiness for the Asia Cup. While Rahul’s prospects of passing the fitness test are promising, uncertainty looms over Shreyas Iyer, who underwent back surgery. As a former holder of the No. 4 position, Iyer’s role in fortifying the middle-order has been pivotal for India in recent 50-over World Cups.
The No. 4 Conundrum
If KL Rahul’s recovery remains uncertain, India faces the challenge of finding an alternative for the No. 4 position. Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson are being considered as viable options. The trial of Suryakumar Yadav for the position has faced setbacks due to a string of low scores in the format.
The anticipation surrounding Rahul’s fitness test could alleviate a significant issue for India. However, should he remain unavailable, the team is poised to undergo significant changes, including potential adjustments to the batting order. The possibility of Ishan Kishan or Samson being drafted as wicket-keepers adds complexity to the decision-making process.
In the absence of Rahul and Iyer for the Asia Cup, India’s approach hinges on the outcomes of their alternatives. The inclusion of Samson and the batting order rejig, involving Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma, are among the options under consideration. Such eleventh-hour adjustments risk unsettling the team’s batting order and impacting the skipper’s performance.
The availability of Rahul and Iyer for the Asia Cup could alleviate India’s concerns, allowing the team to finalize its squad without further disruptions. The team management is also considering options like Tilak Varma, who, despite not having played an ODI, presents a balanced choice as a left-hander in good form.
Uncertainties continue to surround the role of Suryakumar Yadav, who is being considered for the No. 6 or 7 position to maximize his contributions. If he is slotted lower in the order, Hardik Pandya’s placement might need adjustment to accommodate Suryakumar as a finisher.
With the prospect of Rahul and Iyer missing the Asia Cup, India could find themselves in a position of continued experimentation instead of fine-tuning their tactics. The next week is crucial in resolving the lingering questions and uncertainties facing Team India’s World Cup preparations.