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BCCI’s chief selector and former India pacer Ajit Agarkar announced the much-awaited squad on Monday, and then took questions from the media at a press conference in Delhi, with skipper Rohit Sharma sitting beside him.
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Big talking points from India’s Asia Cup 2023 squad announcement
Besides Rahul, who recovered from a thigh injury, the other big name that returned to India colours is Shreyas Iyer, who overcame a back injury. But while Iyer has returned fully fit, Rahul is carrying a different injury, as described by Agarkar.
“It is not the original injury. There is a niggle. That is why Sanju (Samson) is travelling (as backup player),” said Agarkar after announcing the squad.
“We are expecting Rahul to be fit, if not at the start of Asia Cup, (then) may be by the second or the third game. Shreyas Iyer is fully fit,” he added.
While Iyer’s return may relieve some of India’s headaches related to the No. 4 spot in the batting lineup, Rohit said: “We have guys who can bat at No. 4…There have been challenges, guys who have been put under pressure. Unfortunately, because of injuries, we have had to try others.”
The Asia Cup begins on August 30 with the match between Pakistan and Nepal in Multan.
India will play all their matches in Sri Lanka, beginning with the game against arch-rivals Pakistan on September 2 in Kandy.
While India, Pakistan and Nepal are part of Group A, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan form the more competitive Group B. The top two teams from each of the group will progress to the ‘Super 4’ stage.
(AI image)
In total, the tournament will have 13 matches, with four to be hosted by Pakistan and nine in Sri Lanka.
The final is scheduled for September 17 in Colombo.
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