Don't think team will risk playing Shreyas Iyer in Asia Cup 2023 final: Former India coach

Shreyas Iyer's return to Team India did not last long as he suffered back spasms after playing just two matches at the Asia Cup 2023. The KKR captain, who was out of action owing to back issue in March 2023, scored just 14 runs against Pakistan in a group-stage match. He was named for the Nepal match, but was not needed to bat. Iyer then became unavailable for India's Super Four matches due to back spasms.

3 things you need to know 

• Shreyas Iyer did not play in the IPL 2023 due to back issues
• India will face Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2023 final
• India are aiming to win a record-extending 8th Asia Cup title

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Will India risk Iyer in Asia Cup final?

In the lead-up to the highly-anticipated final of the Asia Cup 2023 between India and Sri Lanka, former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has weighed in on the potential participation of Iyer. According to Bangar, it appears unlikely that India will take the risk of fielding Iyer in the crucial final match.

All eyes 👀 on the prize 🏆

Grand finale time ⏳#TeamIndia | #AsiaCup2023 | #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/8BzKFlOWwY

— BCCI (@BCCI) September 17, 2023

Despite being declared fit for the Asia Cup 2023, Iyer encountered a setback in the form of back spasms just before India's Super Four encounter against Pakistan. Bangar, while speaking on Star Sports, said: “We saw in the game against Bangladesh, they made five changes, there was a chance that even Shreyas Iyer could have got a game. The very fact that the team management wants to be patient and wants to give Shreyas Iyer that much time, I don't think the team management will risk playing Shreyas Iyer at least in this particular match.” 

Ishan Kishan's 'fabulous' Asia Cup

While the absence of Iyer might be a concern for India, Bangar also had words of praise for wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan. Kishan has been in excellent form throughout the tournament, scoring 120 runs in three innings, including a remarkable half-century against Pakistan. Bangar acknowledged Kishan's recent performances and labeled his tournament as "fabulous."

“Ishan Kishan has done fabulously well in the last five-six innings that he has played - three innings in the West Indies under trying situations, and a couple of useful innings (in the Asia Cup), one was a superb innings against Pakistan. After that, you saw how well he batted against Sri Lanka. So all in all, I feel that taking that dismissal apart, he has had a fabulous tournament,” Bangar added.

India will face Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final for the eighth time, with the Men in Blue aiming to secure a record-extending eighth title. The showdown promises to be an exciting clash between two cricketing teams, with India's team management carefully considering their options to field the strongest possible lineup.