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Former India opener Gautam Gambhir raised concerns over Shreyas Iyer’s fitness and participation in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. Not only this, but Gambhir also questioned the National Cricket Academy (NCA), for giving him clearance ahead of the Asia Cup 2023. Notably, Shreyas Iyer who made a comeback in the team after recovering from lower-back fracture, played only two games in the tournament.
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Just before India’s Super Fours clash in the continental spectacle, the recurrence of injury made him sit outside of the playing squad. The Delhi-born didn’t appear in the playing XI of the remaining games in the ACC event. Gambhir, who played an instrumental role in India’s victory in the 2011 World Cup, pointed at his inclusion in the 2023 World Cup squad.
The cricketer-turned-commentator said, “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.”
Questioning the National Cricket Academy, Gambhir said, “Whatever his form was, it was 7-8 months back after which he only played in one game. So, it is unfortunate. If questions are to be raised then ask the NCA because that is where he was all these months and then got a clearance from there as well. Who knows maybe they cleared him too quickly?”
Speaking of the recently concluded tournament, India defeated Sri Lanka in a lop-sided Aia Cup 2023 finale. India’s Mohammed Siraj clinched six wickets, which helped his side restrict the previous champions at just 50 runs and helping the side lift their eighth title.