'Don't pick him': Ex-chief selector blasts BCCI for naming injured star in Asia Cup squad

The return of the famous batting tandem of Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul was one of the key takeaways from BCCI's announcement of Team India's 17-member selection for the Asia Cup 2023, on Monday. Iyer and Rahul were chosen despite not having their fitness tested in the field, which is seemingly a risk that the board is willing to take before the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. According to chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar, Rahul's participation in the tournament opener against Pakistan on September 2 is unsure due to a niggle. Rahul's illness was not described by the top selector, but he did say that it was not the same issue that kept him out of the second part of this year's IPL.

3 things you need to know

• Asia Cup 2023 squad has been announced by BCCI
• The 17-member squad includes Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul
• Asia Cup 2023 will begin from August 30, 2023

Also Read | 'One Thing Is Lacking': Harbhajan Singh Slams India For Leaving Out 'proven Match-winner'

Krishnamachari Srikkanth isn't pleased with the selection of KL Rahul

KL Rahul underwent calf surgery after suffering the injury during the IPL 2023 match between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Shreyas Iyer, meanwhile, had a persistent back ailment that prevented him from playing during the whole IPL season. Iyer is anticipated to return for the first game. Former India cricketer Kris Srikkanth had his say on the selections, and it can be gauged that he is not pleased with the call-up to KL Rahul.

“It's being said that KL Rahul has a niggle. If you have a niggle, don't pick him in the squad. If a player is not fit during selection, you shouldn't pick him. That was our policy. On the day of selection, if a player is not fit, don't select him,” said Srikkanth on his official YouTube channel.

“If you want to pick him for the World Cup, select him for the World Cup. That's a different issue. Now they are saying that he might play after a couple of matches and that's why we have picked Sanju Samson as a travelling reserve. What's all this.”

"Shreyas declared fully fit, KL carrying a niggle": Team India selector Ajit Agarkar

Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/uXoTctM6Ov#ShreyasIyer #KLRahul #AsiaCup #cricket #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/wK3FhPmbmG

— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) August 21, 2023

Also Read | Yuvraj Singh's Reply To Virender Sehwag On Two-faced People Sends Internet Into A Frenzy

Ajit Agarkar is confident about Rahul and Iyer attaining fitness on time

In the press conference that followed the announcement of the squad, Ajit Agarkar expressed optimism about Rahul and Iyer getting enough practice before the World Cup.

"From what we have been told it should not be too bad (in Rahul’s case). We still have one month and a half before the World Cup, hopefully, they (Iyer and Rahul) will get enough cricket before that," he said.