He’s fit; that’s why we picked him in the squad – Ajit Agarkar shares update on Shreyas Iyer

BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar has confirmed that Shreyas Iyer is fit and that is why they have picked him in the three-match ODI series against Australia. Iyer scored 14 runs in the group-stage match against arch-rivals Pakistan in the Asia Cup.

Subsequently, the right-hander did not get to bat in the match against Nepal but complained of back spasm ahead of the Super Fours stage match against Pakistan. The Mumbai batter took no longer part in the continental tournament, which India went on to win by beating Sri Lanka in the final comprehensively by 10 wickets.

Meanwhile, Iyer had made a return to the Asia Cup squad after recovering from a back injury and he has performed consistently in the middle order.

Ajit Agarkar said in the virtual conference on Monday, “Iyer has not picked up a stress fracture; otherwise he wouldn’t be in the squad. He’s fine – whether he’s batting, fielding. At the moment, he’s fit; that’s why we picked him in the squad. We are hopeful that he gets through all these three games.

“He’s worked incredibly hard over the last many months to be at this stage, to be fit. Fortunately for him, it wasn’t a massive injury, but he did pick up a niggle. He’ll have to get through these games, and we are hopeful that he will. At the moment, he is fine,” Agarkar added.

On the other hand, former Indian openerGautam Gambhir questioned Shreyas Iyer’s fitness for the World Cup. Gambhir feels the team management might not back him for the World Cup due to fitness woes.

Gambhir said on Star Sports, “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.”

India will begin their World Cup campaign against Australia at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on October 8.