Both Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul are expected to play for India at the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka in 2017. Both batters had been out for some time owing to various diseases, but at this point they were finally well enough to make their way back onto the field. In spite of this, India’s middle order has been given a significant boost in performance as they prepare for the World Cup, which begins in a little under two months.
Iyer’s fitness level has been confirmed as having returned to normal by Ajit Agarkar, who is in charge of the senior men’s selection committee for India. However, according to Agarkar’s assessment, Rahul might end up missing one or two games at the Asia Cup owing to a niggle that is unrelated to his long-term condition. As a result of this, Sanju Samson has been selected to serve as the team’s backup player.
Tilak Varma has been given his first ODI call-up after an outstanding debut in the West Indies. Suryakumar Yadav has stayed in the 17-man roster despite the burden of the 50-over format. In the 50-over format, Hardik Pandya continues to serve as vice captain despite becoming the T20I captain.
The pace attack will be led by Jasprit Bumrah, who recently made his long-awaited return in Ireland, and will also feature Mohammad Shami, Mohammad Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and bowling allrounder Shardul Thakur. In the spin department, Kuldeep Yadav has replaced Yuzvendra Chahal as the top option, with Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel also making the cut.
Squad: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya (VC), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammad Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Prasidh Krishna, Sanju Samson (backup)
