As per reliable sources, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is gearing up to disclose the roster for the ODI World Cup 2023 on September 3. Notably, this announcement aligns two days ahead of the cutoff for unveiling provisional squads. The chosen date also strategically follows the high-profile Asia Cup clash between India and Pakistan in Kandy.

The composition of the final 15-member squad for the pinnacle 50-over event will be confirmed, allowing for necessary adjustments until September 28. This window provides India the flexibility to fine-tune the squad a week prior to the World Cup’s commencement in Ahmedabad. Additionally, it’s worth highlighting that India has a forthcoming 3-match ODI series against Australia, scheduled from September 21 to 27, post the Asia Cup.

In a prudent move, the provisional squad is anticipated to incorporate standby players. This cautious approach is guided by the uncertainties surrounding the fitness of key players, particularly KL Rahul.

For the Asia Cup campaign, India unveiled a 17-member extended squad. Noteworthy was the inclusion of a traveling reserve, Sanju Samson, who provides cover for KL Rahul. The elevation of both Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul, despite their recent injury setbacks, was confirmed by Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar. It was revealed that while Iyer regained fitness, Rahul encountered a fresh niggle unrelated to his previous thigh injury. The likelihood of Rahul’s participation in India’s opening Asia Cup match against Pakistan appeared dim.

In assembling the squad, 20-year-old Tilak Varma, who displayed promise on his T20I debut in West Indies, was named for the Asia Cup. However, his inclusion in a game against Pakistan remains uncertain, given his lack of ODI experience.

Suryakumar Yadav retained his spot, despite a lean patch in ODIs, alongside the comeback of Prasidh Krishna and Jasprit Bumrah, both of whom showcased their mettle upon their recovery from injuries during the Ireland tour in August.

India’s players are presently immersed in a specialized preparatory camp held in Alur, near Bengaluru. KL Rahul was spotted honing his batting skills in the nets, while Ishan Kishan, acclaimed for his performance as a wicketkeeper-batsman, was actively refining his keeping techniques under the guidance of fielding coach T Dilip.