Ravi Shastri, MSK Prasad unsure of KL Rahul's fitness ahead of ODI World Cup

Team India are yet to announce their squad for the much-awaited Asia Cup 2023, which will be contested in Sri Lanka and Pakistan from August 30 to September 17. Ahead of two crucial competitions, the Men in Blue are unsure about the availability of some of their prominent stars who are currently recuperating.

India selectors reportedly wanted to give a chance to star batters KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer. However, Rahul's road to recovery has been a point of discussion while Shreyas too has been undergoing rehab.

Former chief selector MSK Prasad and former head coach Ravi Shastri have shared their views on the wicketkeeper-batter's inclusion in the squad. During a discussion with Prasad on India's squad for the World Cup on Star Sports' Selection Day show, Shastri opined that Rahul must take part in some important series before taking part in the continental championship.

“They have to play matches, give them some matches before the Asia Cup," Shastri was quoted as saying by India Today.

Meanwhile, Prasad, who has been closely watching the opening batter at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, believes that the cricketer is fit to play the game.  

“I've seen KL Rahul playing in the NCA because I was there for the last one week. So I think he looks fit. I think he looks fit and he might end up playing,” Prasad said.

Meanwhile, former cricketer Sandeep Patil weighed in on the former head coach's views, stating, "Playing in the nets and playing in the matches is different, totally different."

Shastri further strengthened his views, citing the example of persistent injuries sustained by star pacer Jasprit Bumrah. The 61-year-old added that injuries will happen and urged the players to be careful.

"Injuries happen. You have to be careful. You try to rush just with Bumrah. Not once, not twice, three times, I mean and he's been sitting out for 14 months now," Shastri concluded.