In the build-up to the ODI World Cup 2023, one of the biggest questions in front of the Indian selectors is that “Who will be batting at number four in the playing XI?” The most likely candidates to take the all-important batting spot are Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul, both of whom have found success in the middle order in the ODI format for Team India in recent times.
But, the duo is currently recovering from injuries, which has put doubt on their availability for the Asia Cup 2023 in August and September, preceding the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. It has been widely reported that if KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer aren’t selected in the Indian squad for the continental competition, then it will be highly unlikely for them to make the ODI World Cup at home in October and November.
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KL Rahul is expected to play a couple of matches in the coming days with a potential fitness test on August 18, which could decide his fate in terms of getting picked in the Asia Cup later this month, according to a report in the Indian Express. But, as far as Shreyas Iyer goes, there is a massive cloud of uncertainty around his fitness as the six-nation tournament amongst Asia's best nears.
Watch the video of KL Rahul batting in the nets:
In the aforementioned report, it has also been stated that the reason for the delay in the Asia Cup 2023 squad announcement has been the lack of clarity with regard to the fitness of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer.
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Furthermore, Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of selectors for Team India, upon his return to India from the Caribbean, will be holding discussions with other selectors to decide what is next for the national team, with two big ODI events fast approaching.
