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'They Don't Need to Be Around If..'- Kapil Dev On Rahul & Iyer's Asia Cup Selection

image-llon2hezRahul and Iyer were recalled for the Asia Cup [X.com]

The BCCI selection committee named a strong 17-member Indian squad for the Asia Cup 2023, which sees the return of several key players like Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer. 

While Bumrah proved his match fitness in the T20I series in Ireland, Rahul and Iyer are in untested waters for the marquee tournament.

Interestingly, Rahul is suffering from a niggle, which chief selector Ajit Agarkar mentioned during the presser, inviting criticism from several quarters, including several former Indian players. 

Former India captain Kapil Dev, known for his blunt and off-the-cuff remarks, explained that it is crucial to test players ahead of the all-important ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in October and ensure that all batters head into the competition fit.

Speaking on ABP News, Dev, however, also cautioned about fielding players having a question mark around them and that the Asia Cup could be a boon for Rahul and Iyer. 

Iyer and Rahul form a crucial cog in India's One-Day International (ODI) middle-order, having scored 805 and 742 runs in the No.4 and No.5 positions, respectively.


'If there is any question mark, they don't need to be around'- Kapil Dev

"You have a wonderful opportunity to create a team for the World Cup and the Asia Cup is a fine platform. I want these players to go and express themselves. But if there is any sort of question mark, they don't need to be around. If you do not give them a chance, it will be unfair to not just the players but also the selectors. I am aware that the World Cup is taking place in India but you need to pick the best and fittest team," Kapil Dev said. 

He further stated that fit players should be selected for the upcoming CWC 2023 which will be hosted in India.

"Worst case scenario, if the guys get injured again during the World Cup, it will be unfair to the players who will miss out on being part of the squad. The injured players who have returned need to be given a chance. If they are fit, then can play the World Cup. There is no shortage of talent, but if they are not fit, India will have a chance to make changes to the World Cup squad right away," he added. 

India's Asia Cup 2023 campaign begins when they meet arch-rivals Pakistan on September 2, where the team management expects all players including Rahul to be fit and raring to go.