'Is there still doubt about their fitness?' - Aakash Chopra expresses concern over KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer's absence

Former Indian opener and renowned commentator Aakash Chopra expressed his perspective on the absence of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer from Ireland's T20Is squad, emphasizing the significance of protecting Jasprit Bumrah.

Bumrah, the premiere fast bowler of India, is all set to return to the Indian squad after an eight-month hiatus, missing major tournaments such as the 2022 T20 World Cup and World Test Championship Final. All attention is going to be on Bumrah, with India desperately relying on his complete fitness for the upcoming Asia Cup and ODI World Cup.

Chopra discussed Bumrah's comeback and highlighted KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer's absence from the Ireland series who are also doing their rehab in NCA.

"Jasprit Bumrah is back. He is not just available for the three T20Is against Ireland but also leads the Indian team. However, KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer's names are absent from the Ireland series. Is there still doubt about their fitness?" questioned Chopra on his YouTube channel.

The former opener stressed that Bumrah's participation in the Ireland tour is crucial, considering his prior withdrawals despite initial selection.

“The big news is absolutely Jasprit Bumrah. He is 24-carat pure gold. He is a national asset. We have to preserve him. However, it has happened at least twice where his name has come and then he pulled back. It is important to see that now that his name has come, he is fit, ready and available, and he plays. He needs to play," added Chopra.

If Rahul and Iyer are not fit, would impact India's middle-order balance: Aakash Chopra

Addressing Rahul and Iyer, Chopra raised concerns about their absence from the upcoming tour.

"You might argue that Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul's names are missing because it's a different format. But it's also a different format for Jasprit Bumrah. Will KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer not be ready for the Asia Cup?" questioned the former opener.

Chopra further emphasized that if the batting duo fails to make it to the ODI World Cup, it would significantly impact India's middle-order balance.

“If that is going to be the case, all hell will break loose because we are assuming that they will come. If they will not come and are out of the World Cup race, it will become very difficult. It will become difficult to create the balance. So I am now slightly worried because we don’t get much information, he added."