The debate over the inclusion of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer is yet to settle down after the national selectors ignored their fitness status and picked them in the 17-member squad for the Asia Cup.
Fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna have also been picked for the Asia Cup and they will join the side after completing their T20 commitments in Ireland.
India head coach for the Ireland tour Sitanshu Kotak, however, said that both Bumrah and Krishna need more game time despite making impressive comebacks.
“They were at the National Cricket Academy for their RTPs (return to play) and strength and all. They are very smart; they never looked like they did not get a game, or were out of practice. They looked ready in practice,” Kotak said during a media conference on Tuesday, the eve of the third T20I.
“It is just that these guys need more game time before the World Cup. They will get three games in this series and (also) a few matches in the Asia Cup,” he added.
Both Rahul and Iyer are yet to regain full fitness following right thigh and back surgeries, respectively. They too have been woefully short of match practice. Rahul has been out of cricket since April while Iyer last played in the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in March.
Kotak didn't wish to read much into young batter Tilak Varma's performance on this tour. He has been dismissed for 0 and 1 in the two T20Is so far. Varma, who is also part of the Asia Cup squad, had discussions about his game plan with Kotak during an optional training session.
“He just wanted to practice. He talked about his mindset, his shot selection and it was a normal discussion on what I think and what his plans are. On tours, if anything, we talk more about tactics. He spoke about how to build his innings and how he should approach the last game.
“We do not speak much on technical aspects unless the player requires it and provided there is enough time. I do not think you can change a player technically during a series, within a week or two-three days,” he added.
Kotak said changes to the playing XI for the final T20I are unlikely. “We will discuss the team, but if there is a possibility of giving them an opportunity, we will give."
