With the upcoming 2023 ODI World Cup just around the corner, the Indian cricket team is concerned about the fitness of a number of their first-choice players including — Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, who are out of action since various lengths now.
India’s star bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been out of action since September 25 last year as he continues recovery from major surgery. As per a recent report by CricketNext, Bumrah might make a comeback through Ireland T20Is in August 2023.
Indian keeper-batter Rishabh Pant is currently recovering from multiple injuries that he suffered during the tragic accident on New Year’s Eve. There is no update on when Pant will attain full fitness to start playing again.
Shreyas Iyer is another Indian player who underwent surgery for a back issue in April this year.
But the big question is where is KL Rahul and when will he return?
KL Rahul has become one of the major concerns for team India ahead of the Asia Cup 2023. He had hurt his thigh midway through IPL 2023 which forced him to undergo surgery. For the unversed, during IPL 2023 game against Royal Challengers Bangalore on 1st May, Rahul tore a tendon in his right leg while chasing a ball in the second over of the game. At that point, he had to be helped off the pitch and didn’t return until a chase of 127 became unexpectedly tense.
He recently returned to India and flew to the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru to start his recovery journey.
In the latest development concerning one such pivotal player, it appears that India may have to face the Asia Cup 2023 without the services of KL Rahul. Yes, you read that right. According to a report by Cricbuzz, the batter might not get ready for the Asia Cup 2023.
The upcoming OCI World Cup will be played in October-November in India and the Indian cricket team led by Rohit Sharma will be hoping to end their wait for a first ICC trophy since 2013. However, for that the Indian side will need all their best players to be fully fit and available.
