In a recent discussion about the Indian squad for upcoming big events, Ravi Shastri, the former head coach of the Indian cricket team, shared his reservations about the possible inclusion of KL Rahul in the playing eleven for the upcoming Asia Cup.
This move, he suggested, might place an excessive demand on a player who has been away from competitive cricket for nearly four months due to injuries. For a tournament, preparation and a few matches under his belt will be must.
Rahul, alongside Shreyas Iyer, is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. The optimistic outlook is that both these players will regain full fitness before the commencement of the Asia Cup on August 31.
Shastri expressed his concerns candidly, stating:
“When you have a player who’s been sidelined due to injuries and is in the process of recovery, it might be a tall order to expect him to perform at his best in the Asia Cup. Additionally, given his recent knee injury, relying on him for wicket-keeping duties could be a risky proposition due to potential limitations in his range of movement.”
The former coach also highlighted the pitfalls of hastily reintegrating players after an injury layoff. Drawing attention to Jasprit Bumrah’s case, he remarked:
“We must exercise caution when bringing injured players back into the fold. Jasprit Bumrah’s repeated rushed comebacks from injury have led to a prolonged absence from the game, spanning 14 months.”
In lieu of KL Rahul, Shastri advocated for Tilak Varma, an emerging batter, to be positioned in the middle order. His strategic vision entailed including three left-handers within the top-seven, with the addition of Ravindra Jadeja.
According to Shastri, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma and Ravindra Jadeja will be perfect for the team as three left handers. Knowing that, these three can slog the ball a long way, teams that have lef spinners as their frontline bowlers, will be forced to devise another plan.
Shastri elaborated on his recommendation, stating:
“The composition of the team warrants the presence of two more left-handers in distinct positions. The selectors are the linchpins here, as they have an intimate understanding of the players’ form and readiness. If Tilak Varma is in top form, he should be considered. Likewise, if Yashasvi Jaiswal is showcasing exceptional prowess, he should be in contention.”
Praising Tilak Varma’s performance, Ravi Shastri affirmed, “Tilak Varma’s consistent performance over the last three months, spanning both IPL and domestic cricket, establishes his credibility. His achievements across various formats undoubtedly make him a strong contender. Particularly, his aptitude as a left-hander strengthens his case in accordance with the team’s composition.”
In the light of Shastri’s insights, the selection panel will undoubtedly have a substantial role to play in shaping India’s playing eleven for the Asia Cup. Striking a balance between the players’ fitness, recent form, and strategic team configuration will be pivotal in ensuring a competitive edge for the Indian cricket team in the upcoming tournament.
