The pre-Asia Cup conditioning camp for the Indian cricket team is currently underway, focusing on team-building activities before the final stages of World Cup preparation. Particular attention is being paid to players’ fitness levels, especially those who recently returned from the Caribbean. The initial day at Bengaluru’s KSCA’s Three Ovals campus in Alur includes fitness assessments and indoor sessions for many players. The outdoor and skill-based conditioning routines will be organized in batches from the upcoming Friday.
Of notable interest is the condition of India’s batter KL Rahul. While Rahul has been recovering well from a thigh injury, he encountered a minor unrelated niggle. Consequently, he might miss the initial two Asia Cup games. This recent development was confirmed by India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar during the squad announcement press conference.
The Chairperson of the Senior Men’s Selection Committee, Ajit Agarkar, stated, “Shreyas has been declared as completely fit. Rahul’s been suffering from a niggle over the last few days, which is unrelated to his original injury. That’s why Sanju [Samson] is travelling at the moment. But at some stage, we’re all expecting him to be fit. If not at the start of the Asia Cup, maybe the second or the third game.”
Although Rahul’s batting workload has been satisfactory to NCA medical staff, they are monitoring his wicketkeeping workload closely, as he reportedly experienced soreness after a practice match hosted by the NCA last week.
Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer, a strong contender for the fourth batting position, is believed to be fully fit and ready. His return to the national side is a positive development for the team’s middle order stability. Iyer’s presence is crucial for filling the number four position, and his track record at that spot reflects his capability.
India’s journey to Colombo is scheduled for August 30. The Asia Cup 2023 campaign will kick off against arch-rival Pakistan on September 2 in Pallekele, Sri Lanka.
By- Sahiba Suri