Bengaluru’s cricket scene is abuzz as India’s Asia Cup-bound players gather at the Karnataka State Cricket Association’s (KSCA) Three Ovals campus in Alur for a rigorous six-day conditioning camp, set to commence on Thursday. The training program aims to fine-tune the fitness levels of the players, particularly those who recently returned from the Caribbean tour. However, it’s not just about fitness – the camp also fosters team bonding, setting the stage for the World Cup preparations that lie ahead.
Players have arrived at the NCA camp
As the camp gets underway, fifteen out of the eighteen players on the Asia Cup roster have arrived, while the remaining trio – Sanju Samson, Jasprit Bumrah, and Prasidh Krishna – are set to touch down in Bengaluru from Dublin later on Thursday. The initial day of the camp will focus on fitness assessments and indoor sessions. Subsequently, players will be grouped for outdoor conditioning and skill-based programs starting from Friday.
In a bid to ensure peak physical condition, senior players who did not partake in the Caribbean T20Is have been following personalized fitness and diet plans for the past two weeks. This approach underscores the BCCI’s dedication to player welfare, mindful of the string of injuries that have affected key players over recent years.
All eyes are on KL Rahul, whose fitness remains a topic of intrigue. While he has recovered from a thigh injury following surgery and comprehensive rehabilitation at the NCA, Rahul’s participation in the Asia Cup’s initial games hangs in the balance due to a minor niggle. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed this uncertainty at the squad announcement press conference on Monday.
Notably, the NCA’s medical team is closely monitoring Rahul’s wicket keeping load, given that he has experienced soreness after participating in practice matches organized by the NCA last week.
However, there’s positive news on Shreyas Iyer’s front, as he returns fully fit and ready to roll. Having recuperated well from practice games, Iyer is set to make his senior team comeback since the home Test series against Australia in March. His successful batting sessions against net bowlers from the India A squad further reaffirm his readiness.
When will team India leave for Colombo for the Asia Cup 2023?
With the departure for Colombo slated for August 30, India is all set for their Asia Cup campaign that commences with a high-stakes encounter against arch-rivals Pakistan in Pallekele on September 2. The tournament provides India a maximum of six matches if they secure a spot in the final. Following the Asia Cup, a series of three ODIs against Australia at home awaits India, setting the stage for their World Cup journey.
As the anticipation builds, the ICC has unveiled the warm-up fixtures for the upcoming tournament. India’s pre-tournament preparations include matches against England and Netherlands on September 30 and October 3, respectively. The team will then fly to Chennai for their opening clash against Australia on October 8.
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