As India readies itself for the highly anticipated Asia Cup 2023, all eyes are on KL Rahul’s physical condition as the team embarks on a rigorous six-day conditioning camp.
The spotlight is on KL Rahul’s fitness as the Indian cricket team kickstarts an intensive six-day conditioning camp in preparation for the upcoming Asia Cup. The majority of the squad bound for the Asia Cup, consisting of fifteen out of the total eighteen players, have gathered at the Karnataka State Cricket Association’s (KSCA) Three Ovals campus in Alur, Bengaluru, for the camp. While Bumrah, Samson, and Prasidh will join the team once they arrive from their tour in Ireland.
The purpose of this camp goes beyond physical training; it also acts as a platform for team bonding ahead of the final stages of World Cup preparation. While the fitness of all players is paramount, particularly for those who recently participated in the Caribbean tour, the camp’s itinerary involves fitness assessments and indoor sessions on the first day, followed by outdoor conditioning and skill-based programs in the ensuing days.
Senior players who were not part of the T20Is in the Caribbean have been provided with personalized fitness and dietary plans over the past couple of weeks. While this approach isn’t new, it underscores India’s cautious approach towards player workloads, considering the history of injuries among key players in recent times.
Of particular interest is KL Rahul‘s physical state. Despite being conditionally deemed fit for the Asia Cup after recovering from a thigh injury and undergoing comprehensive rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Rahul’s participation faces uncertainty due to a minor concern that might sideline him for the initial two Asia Cup matches. This information was shared by chief selector Ajit Agarkar during the press conference for the squad announcement.
Rahul’s batting workload has been deemed satisfactory by the NCA’s medical team, but his wicketkeeping load is being closely monitored. Reports have emerged that he experienced soreness after participating in a practice match organized by the NCA last week.
In contrast, Shreyas Iyer is fully fit and ready for action. This camp marks his return to the senior setup since the home Test series against Australia in March. Iyer has showcased promising performance in practice matches and has been facing net bowlers from the India A squad, who are part of a skill-based camp for emerging players at the NCA.
The team is scheduled to depart for Colombo from Bengaluru on August 30. India’s campaign in the Asia Cup commences against Pakistan in Pallekele on September 2, with the potential to play up to six matches should they reach the final. Following the Asia Cup, India is set to play three ODIs at home against Australia before embarking on their journey in the World Cup.
In recent news from the International Cricket Council (ICC), the warm-up fixtures for the tournament were unveiled. India is slated to face England and Netherlands on September 30 and October 3, respectively, before heading to Chennai for their opening match against Australia on October 8.