Shreyas Iyer’s much-anticipated comeback news has brought a sigh of relief to the cricketing world, especially with significant tournaments like the Asia Cup and ODI World Cup looming ahead. The middle-order batsman’s return from a prolonged back injury is a boost as India gears up for these crucial events. Iyer’s presence in the squad marks his comeback after a hiatus, and he is set to feature in the continental tournament.
India’s Asia Cup journey will kick off with a high-stakes match against traditional rivals Pakistan on September 2. Currently training at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Iyer’s fitness progress was evident during a practice game on August 18. In this simulation game, he batted for an impressive 38 overs and followed it up with 50 overs of fielding. According to a BCCI source, Iyer even notched up a score of 199 runs in the practice game.
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“He smashed the bowlers at the National Cricket Academy, scoring 199 in a practice tie. To provide the selectors more evidence of his fitness, he then fielded for the entire 50 overs of the match, which was held at the Just Cricket Academy in Bangalore 3/4 days back,” revealed the BCCI source, as reported by The Times of India.
Shreyas Iyer scored 199 runs in the Practice match at Just Cricket Academy. [TOI]
Great news for the Indian team….!!!! pic.twitter.com/L8XsxJg9mt
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 24, 2023
Iyer’s remarkable progress was acknowledged when he was named in the 17-member Asia Cup squad on August 21. During the announcement, Ajit Agarkar, Chief of the All-India Men’s Selection Committee, confirmed Iyer’s fitness in a press conference. Notably, KL Rahul, designated as the keeper-batsman for the event, was also included in the squad despite missing the practice game due to a minor niggle.
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As India gears up for the Asia Cup, the team, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, will undergo a five-day training camp at the Karnataka State Cricket Association’s (KSCA) facility on the outskirts of Bengaluru. The camp aims to fine-tune the team’s preparation and readiness for the multi-nation tournament.
Joining the Indian squad on Friday, August 25, will be pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna. The duo, along with Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson, are rejoining the Indian ranks after their successful stint against Ireland, where India emerged victorious with a 2-0 series win.
