The Asia Cup 2023 is around the corner and the Indian team will have a 6-day prep camp in Bengaluru before flying to Sri Lanka for the tournament which begins on August 30. India is grouped with Pakistan and Nepal.
The men in blue will begin their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on September 2 in Pallekele and then Nepal on September 4 at the same venue.
India squad was announced on Monday and saw the return of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer who have recovered from their surgeries and gained match fitness. Though BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar revealed that Rahul has a fresh niggle and might miss a couple of matches in the Asia Cup.
Former India captain Kapil Dev said the Asia Cup is a perfect platform to Test Rahul and Iyer before the selectors finalize the 15-man squad for ICC World Cup 2023.
“You have a wonderful opportunity to create a team for the World Cup and the Asia Cup is a fine platform. I want these players to go and express themselves. But if there is any sort of question mark, they don’t need to be around. If you do not give them a chance, it will be unfair to not just the players but also the selectors. I am aware that the World Cup is taking place in India but you need to pick the best and fittest team,” Kapil Dev told ABP News.
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The 1983 World Cup-winning captain further highlighted the importance of giving valuable match time to players before the World Cup which begins on October 5 in India. He added that in case any player gets injured or sidelined during the World Cup, that would be an injustice for those who were not selected.
“Ideally every player should be tested out. The World Cup is so close but you still haven’t given the players a chance? What if they head to the World Cup and then get injured? The entire team will suffer. Here, at least they will get a chance to bat or bowl a little and get some rhythm going.
Worst case scenario, if the guys get injured again during the World Cup, it will be unfair to the players who will miss out on being part of the squad. The injured players who have returned need to be given a chance. If they are fit, then can play in the World Cup. There is no shortage of talent, but if they are not fit, India will have a chance to make changes to the World Cup squad right away,” Kapil added.
The BCCI selection committee has picked Sanju Samson as a traveling reserve as well for Asia Cup.
