KL Rahul suffered a thigh injury in IPL 2023 and was forced to miss the rest of the tournament and subsequently underwent surgery. Since then hasn’t played a single international game.
Shreyas meanwhile had surgery on his lower back for a stress fracture.
The last BCCI update didn’t specify when the two are approximately expected to return to full-time action.
Rahul has shown some positive signs. The Karnataka cricketer has been posting fitness updates on his social media handles. TOI has learnt that Rahul is “completely fit and available for selection” now, which means he could be back for the upcoming edition of the Asia Cup.
KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer
But is he fit enough to keep wickets for 50 overs, one criteria which will have to be met if he is to make the World Cup cut.
With young batters like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ishan Kishan, and middle-order star Suryakumar Yadav making a strong case for themselves, how easy or hard will it be for both Shreyas and KL Rahul to earn a spot in the World Cup squad?
The Asia Cup will be played in Pakistan and Sri Lanka from August 30 to September 17, with India launching their campaign against Pakistan at Pallekele on September 2.
Former India cricketer Pragyan Ojha feels that KL Rahul and Shreyas’ presence will be crucial for India, especially in the all-important 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,” Ojha, who is a cricket expert for JioCinema, told TimesofIndia.com in an interview.
Pragyan Ojha
“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 are 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,” Ojha further said.
“So, these two are very crucial for these spots. They are being given time to recover and be fully fit so that they are ready by the time the Asia Cup and World Cup come. They are being given all the time, so that they can come back with full fitness and don’t collapse again,” Ojha, who played 24 Tests, 18 ODIs, and 6 T20Is for India between 2008 and 2013, told TimesofIndia.com.
ARE INDIA RELYING TOO MUCH ON VIRAT AND ROHIT?
Though India clinched the three-match one-day international series against the West Indies 2-1, many eyebrows were raised when India crumbled under pressure in the absence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the second ODI.
India, after winning the opening ODI by 5 wickets, decided to rest the regular captain Rohit and batting ace Virat for the second ODI and gave chances to the youngsters.
In Rohit’s absence, Hardik Pandya led the team.
Hardik Pandya with his teammates (AFP Photo)
Batting first, India were bowled out for 181 in 40.5 overs with Samson (9) and Axar (1), who replaced Virat and Rohit in the playing eleven, failing to touch double figures with the bat.
West Indies won the match by 6 wickets, chasing down the total in just 36.4 overs.
Are India too reliant on Virat and Rohit in a World Cup year?
Responding to this, Ojha said: “When you play a 50-over game, it is very important how you pace your innings. The middle order crumbled without Virat and Rohit. The think tank was trying to rest Virat and Rohit, but the purpose was not met. Ahead of the World Cup, we have seen new players given more responsibilities. These young boys should take these chances and opportunities. They need to know how to pace the innings, especially in a 50-over game”.
“These things should be addressed as soon as possible (so that) in a crucial game, if we lose our senior members, these youngsters can manage. The West Indies series is very important for these young boys,” Ojha signed off.
