Former Indian spinner Pragyan Ojha feels that India requires both KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer in the middle order for the ODI World Cup later this year. The duo is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy and they are participation in the marquee is still uncertain as the selector and management are awaiting clearance from the medical team.
Team India has struggled with a lot of injuries, as Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, and Prasidh Krishna are still recovering from a major injury. Jasprit Bumrah and KL Rahul are likely to return to the Indian team during the Asia Cup 2023 whereas Shreyas Iyer is expected to get fit for the mega event later this year.
Speaking to the Times of India, Pragyan Ojha believes that Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul will be vital for India’s chances in the ODI World Cup and raised his concern regarding the fitness of the two batters and reckons that they will be crucial for the team’s chances in Asia Cup and ODI World Cup.
“Both (Shreyas and KL) are very important for India in the World Cup. They are not part of the series against Ireland, but I think they will be considered. I don’t know where they stand in terms of fitness and recovery is a concern. But they are very crucial for the World Cup and Asia Cup,” Pragyan Ojha said.
The pair began practicing in preparation for an India comeback ahead of the mega events this year. Iyer and Rahul recently shared batting videos on social media. KL Rahul was also observed practicing his wicket-keeping as he is likely to keep wickets for India in the ODI World Cup.
These Are The Numbers And Slots Where We Face Challenges Most Of The Time – Pragyan Ojha
Pragyan Ojha feels that Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul have performed exceedingly well for the team in the ODI format of the game as they have shown consistency and form for India in the given opportunity as they have got a lot of experience playing for India and asserted that the duo can take up No.4 and No.5 spot in the team.
“In terms of consistency, experience, form, performance, contribution to the team, and scoring runs, both KL and Shreyas are up there. Both have a lot of experience. India is looking for players and batters who can bat at No. 4 and No. 5. These are the numbers and slots where we face challenges most of the time,” Pragyan Ojha added.
The case of absence of Iyer and Rahul from the team would give a chance to Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson to be part of the Asia Cup 2023 as they will look to prove their case strong for the ODI World Cup later this year.