Legendary Indian Skipper Kapil Dev feels that Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul’s return to the team could be a blessing in disguise for the Indian team going into the Asia Cup 2023. The lack of match practice could be a cause of concern for the Men in Blue going into the continental event.
Team India has taken the gamble by picking KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer in their squad for the Asia Cup, as they will return to the side without a match practice. According to reports, Iyer is expected to be fully fit for the continental event while Rahul is likely to miss out few games in the tournament before returning to the team for the final few games.
Speaking to ABP News, Kapil Dev feels that every player must be tried and tested before the important ODI World Cup in India and also warned about the injury issues to the Indian players during the time of the marquee event in India.
“Ideally every player should be tested out. The World Cup is so close but you still haven’t given the players a chance? What if they head to the World Cup and then get injured? The entire team will suffer. Here, at least they will get a chance to bat or bowl a little and get some rhythm going,” Kapil Dev said.
Shreyas Iyer has been out since March 2023 with a back issue and KL Rahul has been out of action since May 2023 after suffering a thigh injury and they are expected to solve India’s middle order woes in the Asia Cup 2023.
India Will Have A Chance To Make Changes To The World Cup Squad – Kapil Dev
Indian World Cup-winning skipper Kapil Dev feels that the players coming back from the injury should be given a chance in the continental event and reckons that the Indian team management should have a backup option in the team for the injured players.
“Worst case scenario, if the guys get injured again during the World Cup, it will be unfair to the players who will miss out on being part of the squad. The injured players who have returned need to be given a chance. If they are fit, then can play in the World Cup. There is no shortage of talent, but if they are not fit, India will have a chance to make changes to the World Cup squad right away,” Kapil Dev added
Young Tilak Varma and under-performing Suryakumar Yadav are selected as backup options in the 17-men squad for the Asia Cup 2023 and the management will be looking to give opportunities to backup batters and pacers in the team in a few games.