India's Asia Cup squad to be out on 21st August, Shreyas Iyer still doubtful: Reports

India’s Asia Cup campaign will begin on 2nd September against Pakistan at Pallekele International Cricket stadium.

The Indian team are yet to announce its 15-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023 tournament. The selectors are waiting for the fitness reports of two of their mainstays in the middle-order batting lineup, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul. According to a new report, the BCCI national selection panel under Ajit Agarkar’s leadership is set to meet on the 21st of August in New Delhi. With the positive developments in the fitness of players, BCCI will take a final call on their inclusion on selection day. KL Rahul looks fit and might be included in the Asia Cup 2023. There’s little doubt about Shreyas Iyer’s fitness.

KL Rahul fit, Shreyas Iyer improving

A source was quoted by CricketNext saying, “KL Rahul is fit and available for selection. He has been regularly batting and wicket-keeping and looks good fitness-wise. With regards to Shreyas Iyer, the signs are extremely positive.” The selection panel was delaying the team selection only due to these two players’ final fitness assessments. As the World Cup is closing in, the selection of Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul will be crucial cogs in India’s wheel. Rahul and Iyer both batted for a full 50 overs in a practice game at the National Cricket Academy(NCA), and Rahul kept wicket for the entire inning as well.

India’s majority of the squad looks certain, and discussions will be held for a suitable No. 4 batting option and whether the team needs an extra spinner or not. Iyer’s fitness may prompt selectors to have a debate on the number 4 choice, with Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, and Tilak Varma being the main contenders. Another big call will be around the spinner and finger spinner. Ravi Ashwin is still not fully ruled out of the equation, as options for the given role look very limited in numbers. Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Washington Sundar will contest for one place on the team.

India will open their Asia Cup campaign against Pakistan at the Pallekele Stadium in Kandy on September 2. So far, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Nepal have announced their squads for the tournament. India, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan have yet to announce their final teams. The Asia Cup will be a big opportunity for the players before the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 starting in October in India. The Asia Cup will begin on August 30 in Multan, when Pakistan will be taking on Nepal. The final will be played at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on September 17.

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