In the much anticipated fixture of the Asia Cup, all was set for India and Pakistan to face off against each other yet again. The rain played spoilsport and took away what could have made for a memorable encounter, but with the sun finally shining bright out in Colombo, one can hope for yet another enthralling encounter this time around.
When all seemed set in place and as the captains walked out for the toss, Rohit Sharma announced in the last minute that batter Shreyas Iyer has been ruled out of the match owing to back spasms.
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KL Rahul has replaced Shreyas Iyer in the team (back spasm).Welcome back, KL…!!! pic.twitter.com/pP4ZgvywkK
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 10, 2023
Iyer, who had been marred with injury but had made a comeback, was scheduled to be a part of the marquee matchup. But, right before the match, his luck seems to have turned on its head yet again.
“Shreyas Iyer had a back spasm during warm-up today," read a BCCI update.
Iyer’s injury allowed wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul to take up the opening and represent India in the heated fixture.
Challenges while undergoing surgeryFighting a mental battleGetting back in touchA motivated @klrahul shares his comeback journey from injury - By @RajalArora
Full Interview #TeamIndia | #AsiaCup2023 | #INDvPAK
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 10, 2023
Rahul, who last played in the IPL this season before injuring himself, is also making a comeback after undergoing thigh surgery.
But, what has gotten fans alike questioning is the Indian selectors.
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Shreyas Iyer has undoubtedly been suffering with injuries in and out for a good while. But, what seems to be a worry is that India have made a habit of making various last minute changes that it has become a struggle to understand what the real issue might be.
To add to the doubt, former Indian international, Mohammad Kaif also commented on the lack of trust the Indian team has accumulated in recent times.
“Iyer practiced pull shots for at least 15 minutes in the nets after the team arrived at the stadium. I guess, he had that spasm then. But anyway, a spasm to a player who has just returned from an injury is a bit concerning,” Mohammad Kaif told Star Sports.
But, the news seemingly spells trouble for India in the longer run, who have recently announced both Iyer and Rahul as a part of their squad for the upcoming World Cup next month. Questions regarding their fitness and the squad selection will loom over for time being.