With his availability for the World Cup being crucial to India’s hopes, the selectors believe there is no need to rush him like they did last September with an eye on the T20 World Cup as that proved to be detrimental in the end. Having resumed bowling earlier this month, it is understood that the pacer hasn’t complained of any discomfort and there is a school of thought whether to send him to Ireland with a second-string squad. But given the long travel and the quick turnaround, taking him to Sri Lanka for the Asia Cup is seen as a safe option. Even at the continental showpiece event, there is a strong likelihood that his workload will be keenly monitored as they want him fresh for the World Cup.
With regards to Rahul, who underwent a surgery after injuring his right thigh in the middle of the IPL in May, is currently doing his physical training. With his recovery on schedule, it is learnt that Rahul, who has been India’s stand-out batsman in the ODI side at No 5 and is being looked at as first-choice wicketkeeper for the World Cup, will resume his skill based training by mid-July. There is a strong chance that the 31-year-old might even be ready for the T20Is against Ireland set to begin on August 18 and end on 23. However, like Bumrah, India have not earmarked any return date as the World Cup remains the priority.
Like Bumrah, Rahul’s return will be a big boost for the team, which is also missing Iyer at No 4. Rahul, ever since he started batting in at No 5, has been a key component when it comes to providing finishing touches and has been one of the most consistent performers.
The only uncertainty now is with regards to Iyer, who too underwent a back surgery in April, and is training along with the duo at the NCA. The middle-order batsman is currently undergoing physiotherapy at the academy and it is learnt that he is still a few weeks away from resuming his skill based training. The 28-year-old, who was close to cementing his place at No 4, suffered a back injury during the home series against Sri Lanka and missed the ODIs against New Zealand and Australia before making a return to the Test squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. With his injury resurfacing during the middle of the fourth Test in Ahmedabad, Iyer underwent a surgery in London this April.
Samson and Suryakumar seen as candidates to replace Iyer
With his participation in the Asia Cup is not guaranteed as of now, India are now looking at Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson as alternate options. The former despite being part of the ODI set-up hasn’t been able to replicate the sort of impact he has had in T20s. It is the reason why the selectors have even brought Samson back into the scheme of things for the World Cup.
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With the majority of India’s venues at the World Cup set to assist the spinners, should Yadav and Samson be amongst runs, will provide much needed impetus in the middle-order when spinners operate. Like Iyer, both are strong against the tweakers and can swiftly change gears in the middle-overs, an area where India has struggled to increase their tempo.
