Fit-again Iyer and Rahul again in India’s Asia Cup squad

MICHAEL BRADLEY/ AFP

India on Monday recalled fit-again batters KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer to their one-day set-up for the Asia Cup, inching nearer to finalising the squad for the house World Cup later this 12 months.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Rahul (thigh) and center order batter Iyer (again) returned from accidents to affix the 17-member squad led by Rohit Sharma for the Asia Cup to be co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka from August 30.

While Iyer’s return is predicted to finish India’s seek for a set batter at quantity 4, Rahul’s skill to bat anyplace within the prime and center order, in addition to his glovework, make him a limited-overs asset.

With tempo spearhead Jasprit Bumrah having made a profitable comeback from again surgical procedure within the present T20 collection in Ireland, India have now gathered all their frontline gamers forward of the World Cup.

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar mentioned it was a “no-brainer” that the 17-member squad picked for the Asia Cup just about included the 15 who would play within the World Cup in October to November.

“A few important guys are coming back from injuries and I hope all goes well for them,” Agarkar mentioned in a press convention referred to as by the Indian board, which normally broadcasts squads in terse statements with out explaining inclusions and omissions.

“Shreyas has been declared fit, but Rahul has suffered a niggle though we are expecting him to be fit for the second or third game in the Asia Cup.”

Rohit’s crew will start their Asia Cup marketing campaign in opposition to Pakistan on September 2 at Pallekele.

“As far as our preparations are concerned, this is the right tournament for us to test ourselves and perform under pressure,” the India captain mentioned.

Rohit mentioned flexibility could be key to successful the World Cup on residence soil, like India did in 2011 beneath Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

“I want to make sure that everyone is fine with batting anywhere. It’s very critical in any format,” the opener mentioned.

“Cricket is moving in a different direction. You need flexibility, you need guys who can step up in any position.”

“That is the message that has been conveyed to every individual.”

India squad

Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.

Stand-by: Sanju Samson.