Indian Cricket Team captain Rohit Sharma will attend the BCCI selection committee, albeit virtually, on Monday. The Ajit Agarkar-led panel will convene in New Delhi to decide the India Asia Cup 2023 squad. It is a pivotal discussion, with the Asia Cup group likely to form the majority of the World Cup 2023 squad barring any injuries. India head coach, Rahul Dravid will also attend the meeting.
Captain Rohit Sharma is currently on a short break in Mumbai. The Hit-Man rested himself from the final two ODIs of the West Indies tour. He has since returned home and begun personal training. It was earlier believed that Rohit would travel to New Delhi for the meet, but reports suggest that he would rather attend virtually. This is likely to have to do with the 36-year-old’s sponsorship commitments in Mumbai on the same day.
Initially, the selection meeting was set for August 20. However, a change was made as it clashed with IND vs IRE 2nd T20. With the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Tilak Varma, and Sanju Samson in action, taking stock seemed more appropriate.
As for Dravid, it is unusual for an Indian Cricket Team coach to attend selection meetings. Former head coach Ravi Shastri did not attend any discussions. However, with Agarkar relatively new into the role, Dravid’s presence alongside Rohit Sharma could help ease some decision making.
Shiv Sunder Das, who is in Ireland, will also join the meeting virtually. It is unclear whether Ajit Agarkar will hold a press conference following the selection. Agarkar is yet to address the media since taking over the role in July.
The talking point however remains the fitness of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer. The injured duo have begun match simulations at the NCA and could make a return to the Asia Cup. Given India’s middle-order crisis, Rohit Sharma would hope to have his two best players available. As things stand, Rahul is deemed fit for the tournament, while Shreyas’ availability will be touch and go.
Once the squad is confirmed, the Indian Cricket Team will assemble at the NCA in Bengaluru for an Asia Cup camp. The camp will be held from August 24-28, before the Rohit Sharma & Co head to Sri Lanka. Head coach Rahul Dravid will also be in attendance during the training camp.
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