The prestigious Asia Cup 2023 is all set to kick-start on August 30 in Pakistan. And the Indian contingent who will play their opening clash against Pakistan at Kandy on September 2 will depart for Sri Lanka on August 29. Indian team who have attained a week-long camp in Bengaluru are all geared up to face arch-rivals Pakistan in the opening clash of Asia Cup 2023.
Asia Cup-bound Indian team was given a break from the Training Camp on Sunday. However, they have resumed training on Monday before their departure to Sri Lanka on Tuesday. The major concern for Team India is the fitness of KL Rahul & whether he could do wicket-keeping in the marquee event. As per the reports of a top media portal, KL Rahul has been batting comfortably but his wicket-keeping abilities are still in doubt.
“After much anticipation and discussion surrounding Rahul’s preparedness for wicketkeeping, it’s now clear that the 31-year-old cricketer, who recently made a comeback after recovering from a thigh surgery and a three-month break, has taken on the role of the wicketkeeper. Although his batting prowess wasn’t in question, there were uncertainties about his wicketkeeping skills. This hesitancy led the selectors to have Sanju Samson as a backup option. Nonetheless, Rahul appears to be moving ahead positively.”
A source close to BCCI said to a leading media news portal.
KL Rahul’s fitness is a concern for the Indian team ahead of Asia Cup 2023
The sources further said that KL Rahul will undertake more wicket-taking responsibilities on Monday before the team departs for Sri Lanka for the Asia Cup. The team management is hopeful that KL will be prepared to keep wickets in the Asia Cup 2023 after initial 1-2 fixtures.
For the unversed, Asia Cup 2023 which will be co-hosted by Pakistan & Sri Lanka will begin on August 30. Pakistan will face Nepal in the opening clash of the tournament while India will play their first fixture against Pakistan on September 2 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. The six group-stage matches will be followed by the Super Fours, beginning September 6. The final will be played by the top two teams at the end of the Super Fours on September 17 in Colombo. And for fans, an action-packed cricketing extravaganza awaits with open arms!
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