With the India squad for the Asia Cup prone to be introduced on Sunday it stays to be seen whether or not nationwide selectors choose Shreyas and Rahul, who’ve been out of motion for months.
“The selectors should take KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer into consideration — they can be included in the team if they are fit. But the wait has not ended, the team will be announced on the 20th from what I know, they have the time until then,” Karim informed the media throughout a chat organised by Jio Cinema.
“But if they are not fit, Ishan Kishan is a good option against Rahul since he can bat as an opener and in the middle-order,” he added.
While Karim named three gamers for the No 5 slot, he mentioned senior batter Suryakumar could be his first desire.
“If Shreyas Iyer is not fit, you have 2-3 options to pick from, in Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav. But for me, Suryakumar has gained experience of playing one-day cricket both domestically and internationally. I will still back Suryakumar Yadav,” Karim mentioned.
Karim additionally backed Jasprit Bumrah to profit from the chance to get match-time in Ireland. “The team management and selectors would be more concerned about Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness levels and match fitness.
“This (series) is a T20 format and it (captaincy) won’t add more burden on him. It will only help him to understand his body better. They (India) are playing three T20 games, he can play at different phases,” he added.
(With inputs from PTI)
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com