India head coach Rahul Dravid is as pleased as a Punch as Jasprit Bumrah and Shreyas Iyer have achieved full fitness. While Bumrah has already played the Ireland T20I series, Shreyas is slated for a return in India's campaign opener against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023.
Addressing the media on Tuesday, Dravid expressed his happiness that Bumrah is back, However, said that the team management would 'ease' the pacer into the tournament slowly.
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"It’s great to have them (Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna) back and see them bowling well. Jasprit is someone we have missed a lot in the past two years he hasn’t played much. We will ease him into it slowly. Ireland was a good opportunity to ease him in. Now we have a whole month to build that up before the World Cup. The duo’s return gives us more options in the pace bowling department,” Dravid said to the media.
Rahul Dravid happy with Shreyas Iyer's progress
While talking about Shreyas, Dravid mentioned that the batter has looked solid in terms of fitness as well net sessions he had in the conditioning camp at Alur.
Notably, the 28-year-old suffered a back injury and had to undergo a surgery for the same in April. After a three-month rehabilitation program at the National Cricket Academy, he now sits close to making a comeback.
"He’s looked good. He has got no issues. It’s been pretty straightforward for him. He has come in and he has played. It’s now about us giving him game time. The things that he has missed is actually games and matches and that’s something we can give him in the Asia Cup and build him up towards the World Cup. In terms of fitness, in terms of everything, he has done very well in this camp. He’s ticked all the boxes. We have got some games in the Asia Cup and against Australia and to give him that opportunity to tick that box too," Dravid said on Shreyas.
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When will India commence their Asia Cup journey?
Team India will fight it out for the continental championship, starting from their clash versus Pakistan on September 2 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
