With less than four months remaining until the 2023 ODI World Cup, the Indian team is concerned about the fitness of several key players who have been sidelined for different periods. Jasprit Bumrah, the right-arm pacer, has been out of competitive cricket since September 25 of the previous year due to a significant surgery. Reports suggest that he might make his comeback during the Ireland T20Is in August 2023.
Rishabh Pant, who had an accident on New Year’s Eve, is currently undergoing rehabilitation, but there is no update on when he will fully recover and resume playing. KL Rahul, the third major injury concern, suffered a thigh injury during the midway point of IPL 2023, leading to surgery. He has recently returned to India and proceeded to the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru to begin his recovery process.
Shreyas Iyer also underwent a surgery for a back issue in April this year. If Bumrah manages to return in August, he is likely to participate in India’s Asia Cup campaign. This tournament will serve as a valuable opportunity to fine-tune their plans and preparations for the World Cup.
The major question remains: When will Rahul be able to make his comeback? According to a report in Cricbuzz, it is uncertain if Rahul will be ready for the Asia Cup. The ODI World Cup is scheduled for October-November in India, and the team led by Rohit Sharma is eager to end their quest for an ICC trophy, which they haven’t won since 2013.
However, for this dream to come true, India needs all their star players to be fully fit and available. During the 2019 ODI World Cup, India lost star batter Shikhar Dhawan and all-rounder Vijay Shankar to injuries midway through the tournament. After a month-long break, the Indian cricketers will resume action during the West Indies tour.