Indian cricket fans have some reason to cheer as a report by The Indian Express stated that Jasprit Bumrah and KL Rahul might return to the Indian ODI squad for Asia Cup 2023.
Asia Cup 2023 will serve as a precursor to the 2023 World Cup. It begins on August 31 and will go on till September 17.
Bumrah and Rahul are important players in the Indian setup and their return to the team might provide a huge boost.
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Return of Jasprit Bumrah and KL Rahul a timely boost for India
It's no secret that Bumrah and Rahul are important to the Indian ODI team. Bumrah is one the most consistent bowlers for India, while Rahul provides a lot of flexibility as he can keep the wickets and play both as an opener or as a floater in the middle order.
After having back surgery in March, Bumrah has already begun bowling at the NCA nets, and is recuperating well thus far.
There is a chance that the pacer will be fit in time for India's August trip of Ireland, but the Indian team management and medical staff are unwilling to rush him in since they want him to be ready for the World Cup.
Bumrah hasn't played any competitive cricket since September 2022 and it's important that his progress is monitored with extreme precaution and attention.
Rahul, who had surgery after suffering a right thigh injury during the IPL in May, is now undergoing physical therapy. Rahul, who has been India's standout batter in the ODI team at No. 5, is expected to start his skill-based training by mid-July as his recovery is progressing according to plan.
Rahul is also being considered as the first-choice wicketkeeper for the World Cup. There is a chance that the 31-year-old will be fit for the T20Is against Ireland, which are scheduled to start on August 18 and end on August 23.
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Shreyas Iyer's return date uncertain
Meanwhile Shreyas Iyer, who also had back surgery in April and is training alongside the Bumrah and Rahul at the NCA, is the last remaining piece in the puzzle.
The middle-order batsman is having physiotherapy at the academy currently, and it has been learned that he will still have a few weeks before he can resume his skill-based training.
The 28-year-old, who was on the verge of securing his spot at No. 4, was forced to miss the ODIs against New Zealand and Australia after suffering a back injury during the home series against Sri Lanka.
He later returned to the Test team for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, but had to undergo surgery in London in April when his injury resurfaced in the middle of the fourth Test in Ahmedabad.
Considering that his participation in the Asia Cup is not yet certain, India are now considering Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson as potential replacements.
Even though the former is a part of the ODI team, he hasn't been able to replicate the kind of impact he made in T20s. Hence, this comes as a welcome opportunity for Samson, who has been recalled to the ODI team due to SKY's inconsistent displays in the 50-over format.
