KL Rahul’s fitness under scrutiny as India commences 6-day conditioning camp ahead of Asia Cup

The performance of wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul in terms of fitness will be closely watched as India’s players begin their six-day conditioning camp in the city prior to the six-team tournament.

Rahul had a niggle unconnected to the original injury and has recovered from a right thigh ailment at the NCA, according to chief selector Ajit Agarkar, who spoke at the press conference for the naming of the Asia Cup team in New Delhi on Monday.

According to a source in ESPNCricinfo, Rahul’s batting workload is reportedly satisfactory, but the NCA medical staff is closely monitoring his wicketkeeping workload.

“He is understood to have complained of soreness after one of the practice matches organised by the NCA last week,” it said.

According to the article, fitness will be a major focus of the six-day camp, which will be hosted at the Karnataka State Cricket Association’s (KSCA) Three Ovals campus in Alur.

“The camp also aims to serve as an exercise in team bonding before the focus shifts to the final stages of World Cup preparation,” it added.

Sanju Samson, Jasprit Bumrah, and Prasidh Krishna are scheduled to arrive in Bengaluru late on Thursday night after the T20I series against Ireland ends on Wednesday. 15 out of the 18 players who are headed to the Asia Cup will be tested on fitness-related criteria on Thursday.

Virat Kohli, a top batter, further demonstrated it by announcing on social media that his yo-yo test result was 17.2. Players will be divided into phases starting on Friday for skill-based training sessions and outdoor conditioning.

According to the report, the players who missed the T20Is in the Caribbean received individualised fitness and dietary programmes during the past two weeks.

“While this practice isn’t unique, India have been especially mindful of workloads keeping in mind the slew of injuries to key players over the past couple of years,” it said.

It further stated that Shreyas Iyer, who has fully recovered from a back injury suffered earlier this year, is pulling up well after participating in both exhibition matches and is also batting against net bowlers from the India A squad who are attending a skill-based camp for young athletes at the NCA.

On August 30, India is anticipated to depart from Bengaluru for Colombo in order to compete in the Asia Cup. On September 2, they will face their bitter foe Pakistan to kick off their season. On September 4, they will play Nepal. The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium will host both of India’s Group A games.

The top two sides from Groups A and B will progress to the Super Fours, where they will play three more games at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, which will also host the final on September 17.

-IANS