India will commence their Asia Cup campaign against Pakistan on September 2, followed by a match against Nepal on September 4.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) men’s senior selection committee will meet in New Delhi on Monday to pick the squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023, set to commence on August 30 in Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
It is known that Rohit Sharma, the captain of the Indian team, will be present at the meeting. SS Das will also attend, albeit via video conference, as he is currently on tour in Ireland with a second-string squad, engaged in a three-match T20I series. According to PTI, head coach Rahul Dravid will also be in attendance in his official capacity. It is worth noting that coaches are typically not involved in the selection process.
Rohit's presence holds significance as the selectors are expected to consider the draft squad for the World Cup as well. Although the ICC's deadline to submit the draft squad is September 5, the selection panel aims to select the same 15 players for both events, if possible. The chosen squad, along with a few standby players, will then gather in Bengaluru for a six-day training camp before departing for Colombo.
The fitness status of Rahul and Iyer is a significant topic of discussion for the BCCI as they await final approval from the NCA. Currently in Bengaluru, the duo is undergoing a series of match-simulation exercises and practice matches to assess their readiness for 50-over cricket.
In his first practice game earlier this week, Iyer demonstrated positive signs, fielding for the entire 50 overs and batting for 38 without much discomfort. This match was closely observed by NCA chief VVS Laxman and batting coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar. Rahul, who did not participate in that game, is expected to join Iyer for a second practice game on Sunday.
Rahul's fitness is crucial for India in resolving their wicketkeeper dilemma, particularly with Rishabh Pant still recovering from injuries sustained in a serious car accident in December.
Bumrah, on the other hand, kicked off India's Ireland tour with an outstanding performance in Dublin on Friday, earning him the Player-of-the-Match title. He managed to take 2 wickets for just 24 runs, both of which were secured in his very first over, marking his triumphant return to international cricket after an 11-month hiatus. Prasidh Krishna, another crucial bowler in India's World Cup plans, also made an impressive comeback and claimed two wickets.
India will commence their Asia Cup campaign against Pakistan on September 2, followed by a match against Nepal on September 4. Both of these games will take place in Pallekele. The top two teams from the group stage will advance to the Super 4s, where they will compete in three additional matches.
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