With the fast-approaching Asia Cup 2023, Team India are sweating over the fitness of some of their key players like KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer.

The continental tournament is scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka and Pakistan from August 30 and September 17.

While some of the participating teams have already announced their squads for the Asia Cup, India are yet to unveil their squad.

There are reports claiming that the selectors want to give players like Rahul and Iyer enough time at the National Cricket Academy to prove their fitness.

However, their return to the Indian cricket team continues to be a topic of debate, with former chief selector MSK Prasad and ex-head coach Ravi Shastri sharing different views on the matter.

Speaking on Star Sports, Shastri opined that the potential returnees need to play a few games before a marquee event like the Asia Cup.

“They have to play matches, give them some matches before the Asia Cup," Shastri stated.

On the other hand, Prasad sounded confident that Rahul is match-ready.

“I've seen KL Rahul playing in the NCA because I was there for the last one week... he might end up playing,” he remarked.

Here's the transcript of the discussion among MSK Prasad, Ravi Shastri and Sandeep Patil on Star Sports.

MSK Prasad: “My last question is what if KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer are fit?”

Ravi Shastri: “They have to play matches, give them some matches before the Asia Cup.”

MSK Prasad: “OK, if they are found fit and if they are playing?”

Ravi Shastri: “They should be picked in the team na. Abhi to shuru ho jata hai Asia Cup (Asia Cup is about to start now). Where will they play?”

MSK Prasad: “I've seen KL Rahul playing in the NCA because I was there for the last one week. So I think he looks fit. I think he looks fit and he might end up playing.”

Sandeep Patil: “Playing in the nets and playing in the matches is different, totally different.”

MSK Prasad: “They have already organised two matches for him.”

Ravi Shastri: “Injuries happen. You have to be careful. You try to rush just with Bumrah. Not once, not twice, three times, I mean and he's been sitting out for 14 months now.”

While Shreyas Iyer underwent a surgery in April for his recurring lower-back injury, Rahul underwent a thigh surgery a month later. Both players are currently rehabilitating at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.

Rahul and Iyer are an integral part of India’s ODI team. In their absence, the Men in Blue were forced to experiment with their batting line-up in the recently held ODI series against West Indies.