The BCCI selection committee on Monday (July 31) announced India’s 15-member squad for the three-match T20I tour of Ireland, starting August 18.
Speedster Jasprit Bumrah made a long-awaited comeback in national colors and the selectors also named him captain in the absence of Hardik Pandya, who has been rested for the short tour.
However, the squad didn’t feature KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, who underwent surgeries earlier this year before checking into NCA for rehabilitation.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, former cricketer Aakash Chopra talked about Bumrah’s return to the Indian team and also pointed out the absence of Rahul and Iyer for the Ireland series.
“Jasprit Bumrah is back. Jasprit Bumrah is not only available for the three T20Is against Ireland but is also the captain of the Indian team. But both KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer’s names are not there for the Ireland series. Is there still a question mark on their fitness?" Chopra said.
“The big news is absolutely Jasprit Bumrah. He is 24-carat pure gold. He is a national asset. We have to preserve him. However, it has happened at least twice where his name has come and then he pulled back. It is important to see that now that his name has come, he is fit, ready and available, and he plays. He needs to play," he added.
Commenting on Rahul and Iyer, Chopra questioned whether the duo would be ready for the Asia Cup in a month’s time.
“You might say Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul’s names are not there because it is a different format. But it is a different format for Jasprit Bumrah as well. Will KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer not be ready for the Asia Cup?"
He further said that if Rahul and Iyer fail to make it for ODI World Cup then it would be a body blow for Team India.
“If that is going to be the case, all hell will break loose because we are assuming that they will come. If they will not come and are out of the World Cup race, it will become very difficult. It will become difficult to create the balance. So I am now slightly worried because we don’t get much information,” he remarked.
