Shreyas Iyer doubtful for World Cup 2023, Rishabh Pant almost out – Reports

Shreyas Iyer last played for India in March 2023, while Rishabh Pant played in December 2022.

The Indian squad has suffered greatly from injuries in the run-up to the World Cup 2023. Over the past few months, several players have all been sidelined simultaneously. Jasprit Bumrah's potential return to the team by next month indicates that things are finally looking up for India.

The same holds true for KL Rahul. KL Rahul's availability is encouraging, and the Indian wicketkeeper-batter is probably going to get fit before the World Cup. Rahul's fitness was just clarified by a BCCI official, which is promising for the Indian squad.

"Rahul's recovery is going well. He should be fit in a month or so. Return from surgery is always tricky and he is a very important player for World Cup," the official told Inside Sport.

Shreyas Iyer's recovery for World Cup 2023 uncertain

Unfortunately for the Indian team fans, there is no positive news coming out of the NCA for Shreyas Iyer, who underwent surgery for his lower back issues. The middle-order batsman is having physiotherapy at the academy right now, and it has been learned that he will still have a few weeks before he can resume his skill-based training. 

"Iyer's progress is slow but we are still hopeful that he will recover by World Cup. But at this moment, it's not a certainty with Iyer," the official added.

Iyer's absence will be a major setback for Team India. The hitter led India in ODI runs scored last year, so his unexpected injury could be a major setback.

Rishabh Pant is most likely to miss out on World Cup 2023

On the other hand, along with Shreyas Iyer, India wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant is also most likely to miss the ICC event which begins in India on October 5 with India playing its first game against Australia on October 8 in Chennai.

The report also suggested that therefore the Indian team management has moved on and is looking at Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan at wicket-keeping options. Both Kishan and Samson were picked for the West Indies ODIs which follow the two Tests starting from July 11.