Watch: Rishabh Pant watches on as Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul bat together at the NCA
Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul appear to be nearing their respective India comebacks. In the run-up to the Asia Cup 2023, superstar Rishabh Pant has offered an important update on the long-awaited returns of the premier batters.
After a fatal automobile accident last year, wicketkeeper-batsman Pant revealed rare footage of Shreyas and Rahul hitting in full flow ahead of their projected Asia Cup returns.
On Monday, Indian southpaw Pant took to Instagram to share an unseen video of Iyer and Rahul playing a practise session ahead of the continental competition. India, the Asia Cup's all-time winner, is yet to declare their roster for the 2019 tournament.
The 2023 Asia Cup, co-hosted by past winners Sri Lanka and Pakistan, will begin on August 30 in Multan, with Babar Azam's Pakistan taking against Nepal.
Pant recovering faster than expected
Rishabh Pant, who is recovering at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru after suffering a terrible automobile accident last year, may miss the rest of the 2023 season. Pant missed the entire Indian Premier League (IPL) season after suffering many injuries in a serious vehicle accident.
The former Delhi Capitals (DC) captain sustained two wounds on his forehead, a ligament injury in his right knee, and abrasion injuries on his back. Pant, on the other hand, is said to be recuperating faster than planned.
Can Rahul, Iyer recover before Asia Cup?
According to a recent update provided by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), batters Iyer and Rahul were receiving rehabilitation after suffering thigh and lower back injuries, respectively.
The Indian batting partnership had begun warming up at the NCA nets for India's upcoming white-ball assignments. Rahul and Iyer were also working on their strength and fitness at the time.
Rahul, a former India vice-captain, suffered a thigh injury while playing for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the IPL 2023. He last played for India against Australia in March at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Iyer, a middle-order hitter, had surgery earlier this year for a persistent lower-back issue. Iyer has not played for India since the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.