- By Manik Sharma
- Mon, 18 Sep 2023 11:26 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the ODI World Cup, India's head coach Rahul Dravid has voiced his concerns about the potential impact of injuries on the team's preparations. In particular, the injuries to key players Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel have made the task of managing the squad more challenging.
Iyer's availability for the recent Asia Cup was limited to just the first two games due to a back spasm, which occurred following a six-month recovery period from a previous injury.
Meanwhile, left-arm spinner Axar had to sit out of the Asia Cup final due to a left quadriceps strain. Both Iyer and Axar are crucial members of India's World Cup squad.
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Before the Asia Cup Final, Dravid underscored that injuries not only affect individual players but also have a significant impact on the team's overall preparation and strategy for the upcoming tournament.
"All teams are in a similar position; injuries so close to the World Cup could really cost you. We just need to keep our fingers crossed, trust our processes. We are in a tricky situation where some guys need to be rested, while some guys need some cricket. It is a tricky balance to achieve," Dravid said.
In addition to Iyer, another notable player who made a successful comeback from injury during the Asia Cup was KL Rahul. His return to form and contribution to the team's success in the tournament was a positive development for the Indian team.
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India's opponent in the Asia Cup final, Sri Lanka, faced their own set of challenges with injuries to key players. Maheesh Theekshana, a mystery spinner, had to miss the final due to a torn oblique muscle, and star players Wanindu Hasaranga, Dilshan Madushanka, and Dushmantha Chameera also missed the entire Asia Cup tournament due to injuries.
Pakistan is also dealing with uncertainties regarding the fitness of their pacers, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, ahead of the tournament. These uncertainties surrounding player fitness highlight the challenges faced by teams as they prepare for this major cricketing event.
