‘Ideally every player should be tested out’ - Kapil Dev reflects on KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer's inclusion in Asia Cup squad

With the Asia Cup 2023 right around the corner, the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) recently came forward to announce India’s squad for the marquee event. The pool of players included the likes of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli and featured many returning players like KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer as well. 

With the return of Rahul and Iyer, India’s middle-order woes will also clear out. However, one major talking point could be the lack of match practice for both batters. Both players did participate in a practice game at the NCA (National Cricket Academy), but it did little to simulate the conditions of an ODI game with elite players competing against them.

Former Indian skipper Kapil Dev recently came forward and put forth a similar opinion. Kapil Dev reflected on team India’s squad for the Asia Cup and stated that it is better to test out the players right now ahead of the ODI World Cup, and it is better to test them here rather than them getting injured in the World Cup.

"Ideally every player should be tested out. The World Cup is so close, but you still haven't given the players a chance? What if they head to the World Cup and then get injured? The entire team will suffer. Here, at least they will get a chance to bat or bowl a little and get some rhythm going," Kapil Dev said on ABP News.

There is no shortage of talent: Dev

Furthermore, Kapil Dev also talked of the worst-case scenario of the players getting injured during the World Cup. He stated that it could prove to be unfair to the players who will miss out on making it to the squad for the much-awaited tournament. 

"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," Kapil Dev said.