India's ODI World Cup Hopefuls Strive to Regain Match Fitness Ahead of Asia Cup
Under the careful guidance of VVS Laxman at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Jasprit Bumrah has made significant strides towards recovering his match fitness after being sidelined since September the previous year.
In preparation for the upcoming Asia Cup and the 2023 World Cup, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is working tirelessly to ensure that key players, including the talented fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, regain their match fitness. BCCI Secretary, Jay Shah, provided an optimistic update on Bumrah's progress, highlighting the efforts to reintegrate him into the lineup for the three T20Is against Ireland in August.
Under the careful guidance of VVS Laxman at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Jasprit Bumrah has made significant strides towards recovering his match fitness after being sidelined since September the previous year. A recent report from the BCCI revealed that Bumrah, along with another fast bowler, Prasidh Krishna, has been bowling intensely in the nets as they near the end of their rehabilitation process. To further evaluate their readiness, the NCA is planning practice matches for the duo. The BCCI Medical Team has been closely monitoring their progress and will make a final decision based on their performance in the exhibition matches.
In addition to Bumrah's positive progress, other players receiving treatment at the NCA are also showing promising signs of recovery. KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, two crucial middle-order alternatives, have resumed batting in the nets and are on the verge of rejoining the national team.
Despite the encouraging developments, there are concerns about the limited time for players to regain match fitness before the Asia Cup. The absence of direct selections for the World Cup and the lack of local competitions further underscore the urgency for players to be at their best. Resting ODI regulars for the Ireland T20Is is anticipated to create opportunities for others to showcase their talent, while Shah emphasizes that consistency in selection will be maintained throughout the Asia Cup and World Cup.
With no direct picks for the World Cup, players will have to prove their mettle in domestic cricket. The BCCI prioritizes domestic cricket and expects available players to participate in state or zone-level competitions with NCA approval. Even players not selected for the national squad, such as Cheteshwar Pujara and Suryakumar Yadav, have been given the green light to participate in domestic events, emphasizing the importance of nurturing talent at the grassroots level.
To further enhance player development, the much-awaited shadow/A tours are set to resume. India A will tour South Africa ahead of the main squad, while England A will visit India before the Test series next year. These tours, finalized by NCA head VVS Laxman, will offer valuable exposure and experience to emerging talents.
While uncertainties persist regarding the final adjustments to the World Cup schedule, the BCCI remains committed to supporting players' recovery and preparing them for the forthcoming challenges. As the Men in Blue strive to regain peak fitness and form, the nation eagerly awaits a formidable and competitive Indian team at the Asia Cup and the 2023 World Cup.
