Kapil Dev Issues Warning To Team India: Injured Stars’ Participation Without Game-Time Could Affect Entire Team

Former India captain Kapil Dev has expressed support for the inclusion of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer in the upcoming Asia Cup. Both players had been sidelined due to injuries, with Iyer suffering a back injury during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy earlier this year and Rahul being out of action since sustaining an injury during IPL 2023. While Iyer has made a complete recovery, Rahul is currently dealing with a minor issue but is expected to regain full fitness before India’s second game in the Asia Cup.

Dev stressed the importance of evaluating each player before the World Cup, highlighting that the Asia Cup provides an ideal opportunity to assess their fitness levels.”Ideally, each player should undergo thorough testing. The World Cup is rapidly approaching, yet players haven’t been given the opportunity to prove their fitness.

What if they enter the World Cup and encounter injuries? The consequences would be detrimental to the entire team. In the Asia Cup, they can at least bat or bowl a bit, reestablish their rhythm, and build some momentum. In the worst-case scenario of re-injuries during the World Cup, it would be unjust to those players who miss out due to their absence. The returning injured players deserve a chance; if they’re fit, they should indeed participate in the World Cup,” remarked Dev, who famously led India to its inaugural World Cup victory in 1983.

However, Dev recommended that a player should not be selected if there are any uncertainties surrounding their fitness.”Despite an abundance of talent, it’s essential to prioritize fitness. If players aren’t in optimal shape, India can swiftly make adjustments to the World Cup squad.

This presents a fantastic chance to build a strong team for the World Cup, with the Asia Cup serving as an excellent platform. My wish is for these players to showcase their abilities. However, if there’s any uncertainty, it’s best not to include them. Failing to provide them an opportunity would be unjust not only to the players but also to the selectors. I understand that the World Cup is happening in India, but the emphasis should be on selecting the finest and fittest team,” he emphasized.