In light of the World Cup coming up, Shreyas Iyer absence from India’s Asia Cup 2023 Super Four match against archrival Pakistan owing to back spasms has drawn attention. Former Indian cricketer and well-known commentator Aakash Chopra offered his thoughts on the subject and clarified the possible ramifications for the Men in Blue.
Fans and analysts alike were shocked when KL Rahul was selected for the playing XI in stead of Shreyas Iyer as the rain-interrupted day in Colombo progressed. Chopra expressed his amazement and pointed out that Rahul and Ishan Kishan seemed to be the only options. While stressing the necessity of providing Rahul with opportunities, he questioned the timing.
“Everyone was shocked to learn that KL Rahul was playing in their place. Ishan Kishan should have been featured because he is in good form and it appeared to be a contest between him and the latter. But when would you play KL Rahul? After all, you have to give him a chance eventually, Chopra asked on his YouTube channel.
As Aakash Chopra investigated the full degree of Shreyas Iyer’s injury, his alarm grew.
The middle-order batsman has missed the last six to eight months of competitive cricket due to back surgery. The back spasms he experienced during the Asia Cup may have been caused by this absence from the game.
“The first thing is that he is probably undercooked, so the area where the surgery happened might have flared up a little bit and the surrounding areas would have stiffened up to save that, and he got a spasm due to that. If this happens repeatedly, because he had played only one match (innings) thus far, how fit will he be for the World Cup? Currently, we are not even discussing shape; rather, we are initially discussing fitness,” he continued.
Iyer’s ability to participate in the Super Four match against Sri Lanka on September 12 is still unknown. The mystery surrounding Iyer’s predicament is further increased by the impending squad change deadline, which gives the Indian team administration and selectors till September 28 to make changes.
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