'He won't be part of World Cup squad & someone will replace him': Gambhir's big prediction

With the way things have come about in the Asia Cup 2023, Team India is set to enter the World Cup 2023 with a major impetus. However, the injury concerns are plaguing the team and threaten to hamper the campaign that is scheduled to start from October 5, 2023. While a final call is yet to be made regarding whether to take a chance on certain players or just to leave them out, former India cricketer, Gautam Gambhir, has given his say regarding this and has picked the latter stance.

3 things you need to know

• Team India defeated Sri Lanka by 10 wickets
• Mohd. Siraj took 6 wickets in the match
• Shreyas Iyer was agan met

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Plightful Asia Cup for Shreyas Iyer

The Asia Cup 2023 saw the return of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer in the squad. At first, matters looked dicey for Rahul as he developed a niggle just before the start of the tournament and was ruled out for the first two games. Shreyas Iyer in the meanwhile was included in the squad but could not achieve anything significant with the bat. Iyer was on course to get further chances but just before the start of the Super 4s game against Pakistan, it was revealed that he has got a back spasm, and will sit out for the match. Iyer did not feature in the playing XI again in the tournament, and his spot in the provisional squad of the World Cup is now doubtful. 

Also Read | 'India Have Proved They Are Top Contenders For World Cup 2023': Sri Lanka Legend

Gautam Gambir says go with fit players only

Gautam Gambhir, who is known to put out his opinion blatantly, has advised the management to go with fit players.  He also went on to say that Gambhir will be replaced in the ODI squad.

"It is a concern. You were out for such a lengthy time and then you return for the Asia Cup, play one match and then again become unfit. I don't think after this team management will pick up him for such a big tournament. You will see in the coming days that Iyer won't be part of the World Cup squad and someone will be replacing him. You should always go into a World Cup with fit players. Performance is a different thing. Imagine if a player suffers from a spasm or some other thing then you cannot find a replacement. So if Iyer hasn't been fit in this tournament then it is very difficult for him to be part of the World Cup because of his injury and then we don't even know how is form is presently. Whatever his form was, it was 7-8 months back after which he only played in one game. So it is unfortunate," he said.