Ahead of Asia Cup, India has announced its 17-member squad for the Asia Cup 2023 which is scheduled to begin on August 30. KL Rahul who has recovered from injury suffered a niggle during his rehab and hence selectors named Sanju Samson as a backup wicketkeeper.
Sanjay Manjrekar lauds Agarkar and Rohit’s transparency
After announcing the squad, Ajit Agarkar revealed the status of KL Rahul and also said that he will not be playing in the first match of the Asia Cup which is set to be played against arch-rivals Pakistan on September 2 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
One of the major issues in Indian Cricket is the lack of players’ availability and status on their injuries. Many fans and experts have expressed their disappointment on the issue.
The former India pacer revealed that while KL Rahul has fully recovered from his injury but has a different minor injury and Sanju Samson will be playing in the first match of the tournament.
He explained the reason for not picking Yuzvendra Chahal on the team. Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar praised Rohit and Agarkar for being casual at the press conference.
“The answer about KL Rahul was important that a niggle has emerged along with the injury that he had recovered from and that is why they have that extra keeper.”
“That kind of detail sharing of information is what you need. I hope they remain as candid. Nice articulation of all the decisions that were taken,” said Manjrekar.
Former Australia all-rounder Tom Moody also speaks about the incident which echoes Manjrekar’s statements. He said he was impressed by the Honesty and transparency shown by Rohit and Ajit Agarkar.
“I did enjoy the honesty and the transparency that came across in that press conference. Communication is really important. At times, there can be that sort of cloak-and-dagger press conference where you have these hidden messages.
Then really you walk out of a press conference no clearer than what you did when you walked into it,” Moody concluded.
India’s middle order has been a great problem for team management. Rahul who didn’t play competitive cricket since his appearance in IPL 2023 has been added to the squad as a wicket-keeper batter. Ishan Kishan has been roped in as the backup opener to Rohit and Shubman Gill.
India has also picked young batter Tilak Varma for the Asia Cup tournament. The tournament will mark the return of pacer Jasprit Bumrah in ODIs. Rohit Sharma will be leading the side on the tournament and Hardik Pandya will serve as deputy for the skipper.
