India’s preparations for the upcoming Asia Cup and ODI World Cup 2023 appear disjointed after a lackluster performance in the limited-overs series against West Indies. The batting lineup, excluding Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shubman Gill, seems unsettled, evident in the initial ODI where the team struggled to chase down a meager 115 runs, with Kohli and Rohit altering their batting positions.
Amid mounting concerns about India’s readiness for these high-stakes events, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah held a meeting with Indian head coach Rahul Dravid in Miami. This discussion occurred after the third T20I against West Indies on August 8, as India lagged behind at 1-2 in the five-match series.
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As reported by Cricbuzz, the two-hour meeting took place at the hotel where Shah was residing. While the specific topics discussed remain undisclosed, speculations suggest that the roadmap for the 2023 World Cup was a focal point. Shah has openly expressed his determination to secure victory in the World Cup scheduled for October 5 in India.
BCCI to declare Asia Cup team after the first T20I against Ireland.
Rahul Dravid also met Jay Shah in Miami for two hours in an “emergency looking” meeting. Asia Cup camp for Team India from 24th August in Alur, Banglore. #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/birKVZOodX
— Himanshu Pareek (@Sports_Himanshu) August 16, 2023
Following India’s 2-3 loss against West Indies in the recent T20I series, Dravid has encountered criticism, with some questioning his leadership and others proposing the appointment of a new coach for T20Is.
Meanwhile, the Indian team is set to initiate its preparatory camp for the Asia Cup 2023 in Alur, Bengaluru, starting on August 24. However, the selection committee is awaiting information about the finalization of the squad for the continental cup. The report indicates that selection decisions might occur after India’s first T20I against Ireland on August 18, where Jasprit Bumrah will mark his return to international cricket after an 11-month hiatus.
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Furthermore, the selectors have not received official communication regarding the fitness status of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, who are undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. Recent warm-up game footage depicted Iyer and Rahul batting together, shared by Rishabh Pant. Updates from NCA managers about the duo’s condition are expected to reach the BCCI prior to the selection committee meeting.
