KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer Return, Named in India’s Asia Cup Squad; Sanju Samson as Reserve Player

India’s chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar, revealed the 17-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup, stating that KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer have been chosen following their successful recovery from thigh and back injuries, respectively.

The squad also features the inclusion of left-handed batsman Tilak Varma, who is yet to make his ODI debut. Seamers Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna, both returning from back surgeries, have also secured their spots after making their international comebacks during the ongoing T20I series in Ireland.

🗣️ "It's about the entire batting unit coming together and getting the job done."#TeamIndia captain @ImRo45#AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/qZRv4za7k4

— BCCI (@BCCI) August 21, 2023

Mohammed Shami is back in the squad after being rested for the West Indies tour. Completing the pace attack are Mohammed Siraj and all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shardul Thakur.

Leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, however, has been omitted from the squad, with Kuldeep Yadav being preferred as the wrist-spinner, alongside all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel.

For the wicketkeeping role, Ishan Kishan has been chosen as the second option after KL Rahul. Meanwhile, Sanju Samson, despite not being part of the main squad, will serve as a reserve player and travel with the team to Sri Lanka.

Here's the Rohit Sharma-led team for the upcoming #AsiaCup2023 🙌#TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/TdSyyChB0b

— BCCI (@BCCI) August 21, 2023

The finalized India squad for the Asia Cup consists of: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya (vice-captain), Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Ishan Kishan, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, and Prasidh Krishna. Sanju Samson is named as the reserve player.